Pruning

I have to confess - I'm not the world's greatest gardener.  I like to garden.  I find a lot of peace in the garden.  I spend plenty of money and time on my garden.  But I'm far far far from being a master gardener.

This weekend I decided to tackle my very overgrown climbing roses.  I planted these guys about 6 years ago and had been putting off pruning them, in part because I was afraid I would mess it up and kill the plant, and in part because I didn't relish the thought of the scratches all over my arms and legs.  However, last fall I realized that the plants weren't blooming like they should, and that guests were in danger of getting scratched or eaten alive by the plants growing up and over the rail of my deck.  So, this winter I researched how to prune a climbing rose and mentally prepared myself for the task.

It wasn't pretty or easy, but it got done.  As I was wrestling with a particularly stubborn branch, I started to think about how much better the plant would be for the pruning, but how it couldn't understand and fought me on every snip of the clippers.  How many times have I done the same thing to God?  How often has my Father lovingly snipped away sinfulness and harmful behaviors, only to have me cling tenaciously and fight Him every step of the way?  The bundle of dead branches I cut was a speck compared to the forest of death God has removed from me.  And afterwards, I always grew and bloomed, so much better and healthier for the effort He spent on me.

My prayer:  Father, as you continue to shape me and help me grow into the woman You plan for me to be, teach me to accept your discipline and correction with a joyful and thankful heart.  Give me strength and self-discipline sufficient to any task You ask of me, and set my feet on the path of righteousness whenever I stray.  Thank you so much for Your patience and love for me!