A short time later I was in the orchard, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. As I picked, I had a few thoughts that I decided to share here.
I kept thinking as I was picking, what kind of fruit do people find hanging on me when they get close? Does it look good on one side but has a rotten spot starting on the other? Is is old and swiveled up from hanging too long? Are there scars and bug-bites? Is it holding firm, or about to drop off and fall to the ground? Is it too small?
People come to my tree all day long. Hungry people, tired people, fussy people. People who need something from me. As I was picking, I pondered, what kind of fruit do I hand out? If they catch me at a busy moment, do I hand them something that they have to pick out the good and leave the bad? Or do they consistently find good fruit, just right to meet their needs. Do I bear fruit that they delight to partake of or fruit that leaves much to be desired?
Of course, the only way to bear good fruit is to stay attached to the Vine, the only One who can produce anything good in me.
As you read the rest of this passage, it is made clear how we can do nothing apart from the Vine. http://ref.ly/Jn15John 15:4-5 Abide zin me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; ayou are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bbears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
I have another busy day ahead, and feel inadequate to meet all the needs. My tree feels a little bare right now. =) But thankfully, as I am faithful to abide in Him, He will be faithful to supply all I need to bear much fruit.
