I have heard from many recently that they have returned to their gardens. It is the time of year to start planting, but given our slower schedules, people are finding more time than usual to dig in the dirt. People have discovered time with their slower schedules, and as much of our day is spent at home, people are tackling house projects that have been on hold. The nursery near me often has a long line on the sidewalk as people wait to pick up their online orders.
Our apartment has a small porch and like our neighbors, we have recently added plants. We have two round planters with peppers and tomatoes, as well as long boxes along the railing growing our cilantro, basil, parsley, and oregano. I hope one day to have citrus trees that are so prevalent in our area and new to me, but for now I’ll admire the orange and lemon trees on my long neighborhood walks.
There is also the added bonus that my children get a science lesson from our gardening. In a fast pace of life, many of the simple lessons, such as where food comes from, is often missed. I have been grateful to hear my kids squeal “Look! The seedling has appeared!” Maybe now my daughter will eat a tomato?
We are all excited to see plants take root and grow. It is very satisfying to see life bloom. Likewise, as followers of Jesus, we can also take root and thrive.
Hear Jesus’ words from the Gospel of John, chapter 15: (verses 4-5 MSG)
“Live in me.
Make your home in me just as I do in you.
In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
“I am the Vine, you are the branches.
When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant.”
How can we live in Christ? How can we grow an intimate relationship with God? How can we ensure an abundant harvest?
As a reminder, growth takes time. Blooming takes time. Just as plants in a small patch of ground take weeks to see growth, it is through faithful actions that will connect us with God over time.
Pray.
Worship online.
Read scripture.
Reach out to others.
Jesus is offering us an invitation and a harvest. Jesus says that by living in him - praying through him, worshiping him, reading his teachings, sharing his love - then we will be connected to God. Others will see God’s love in us and benefit from our fruit.
What small step can you make today to connect with the Vine?
I invite you to share below how God is continuing to grow new life and bear fruit in you.
I leave you with these beautiful words of promise from the Prophet Isaiah (27:5b-6 MSG):
Let that vine cling to me for safety,
let it find a good and whole life with me,
let it hold on for a good and whole life.”
The days are coming when Jacob
shall put down roots,
Israel blossom and grow fresh branches,
and fill the world with its fruit.
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash