Cling

Picking up some dead branches in my yard. Branches fallen off the trees, and as such, lifeless, leafless, fruitless.

And I wonder why my life flounders. It's not that I'm neglecting stuff. Most would consider me diligent and faithful at home, at church, at work, and in the community. Nor am I uncaring or unloving - at least no one has said so to my face. Nevertheless, for all the good things I'm doing and thinking, it is still quite easy to compare myself to a lifeless, leafless, fruitless branch fallen off the tree. The fruitful life is supposed to be characterized by love, joy, sacrifice for others, friendship with God. I am plagued by the sterility of my life. I am bothered by my fruitlessness.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit." I've heard it before, yet it's only beginning to sink in. All must be centred on a vital relationship with Christ. I need to remain, abide, stay, hang on to, cling to him.

Makes sense. He is the source of life. All he really wants is for me to keep his commands by faithfully clinging to the vine. Trying to be the right person and trying to do the right things are never the root of devotion. They must grow as the fruit of a life that remains in the vine.

Lord, help me to faithfully cling to the vine.