Grandma’s flowers were always gorgeous. Actually, both of my grandmas had the ability to grow just about anything. Whether it was the vegetable garden or the flower bed, in retrospect, they were practically works of art. I often found myself at one house or the other, and work was frequently involved. However, as I pondered this blog, something occurred to me. I have no memory of ever working in their garden or flowers. I can recall countless hours of dusting, sweeping, dishes, and other household chores. But not a single blip of pulling weeds, hoeing, or harvesting. As a matter of fact, I have memories of standing just outside the border of the garden and watching grandma and grandpa do all of the work. Meticulously. With intentionality. Maybe I just wasn’t ready for that level of work yet.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve done a fair amount of pruning; and I don’t just mean with garden snips. I’m guessing you’ve done it at some point, too. Or maybe you need to and this will be the catalyst for action. Despite the fact that I understand how important pruning is, I still don’t like it. Cutting anything is generally painful (to someone). It often takes something that appears to have beauty and value and seemingly strips it bare. Making decisions to prune requires delicate motion. I wouldn’t advise grabbing a pair of hedge trimmers; although that thought has crossed my mind more than a few times.
As I get older (or let’s say, more mature), I’m finding that sitting down with whatever needs to be pruned and performing careful examination is vital. It might be me. It could be a relationship. Or what if it’s a job? Honestly, it could be anything. Things that are good aren’t always best. And in order to determine that, there can be painful choices that result in pruning.
Today I was reminded again. The earlier than normal blooms this spring meant that it was probably time to do some inspecting. To sit in close proximity and see each stem. What looked gorgeous from my porch was likely in need of some attention. I was right.
I’m not sure if you need to prune. But I can almost guarantee, that at the very least you should sit and consider. Hold each point carefully in your hand and see it for what it is. It may in fact be beautiful. You may also find that with some pruning, a second or even a third bloom is possible. By doing some challenging work that might be a tiny bit painful, this season and the next can look vastly different. And if you need some practice, I have a few extra pair; you can join me anytime.
John 15:2 ~ Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.