Embrace The Pruning

Life isn't always easy...does that come as a shocker to you??  Of course not!  We are all very aware that life can be challenging and, at times, downright difficult.

I am a thinker, and have to admit I have spent considerable time over the years pondering why we sometimes have to go through times like these.  When these thoughts surface, I am reminded of the way vines (grapevines, blackberry vines...) have to be pruned back...Sometimes the pruning seems so severe you wonder how the vines will ever recover.

Late this summer, I experienced a visual representation of this very thing.  My husband and I have some blackberry vines growing along the garage in our backyard.  Although they produced some yummy berries over the summer, many of the vines were unable to produce plump, juicy berries because the patch was thick and unruly and the vines were being choked out by weeds.  I decided they needed to be pruned.  Having never done this before, I did my research on how best to care for them and when to begin.  I was shocked at how far back the experts recommended to cut them back, but I moved ahead with my pruning.  When the process was complete, I looked at the pitiful patch of what looked like twigs that remained.  How would they ever recover?  At first glance, I think my husband was speechless and wondering what in the world I had done!  Then, very calmly he said, "well, let's see what happens next."

As the weeks have gone by, I can already see the vines are healthier and stronger.  Although it looked so pitiful and painful, the pruning is giving the roots the strength they need to grow deep and strong.  Even though winter is here, I can see the vines are beginning to bud with new life!  When the vines recover, they will bear even MORE fruit and have the added strength to withstand storms and droughts.

I believe life is exactly like this.  I'm convinced we must undergo pruning times, too.  Although it may seem to us that the pruning is too harsh and lasts too long, in time we emerge more productive, stronger and wiser.  

Whatever roadblock is holding you back is something that needs to be cut away.  Maybe it is a limiting belief, a distraction, a paralyzing mindset, or fear.  As human beings, we tend to cling to the familiar, even if it is pulling us down.

It's time to let those things go.  The journey itself it what prepares us to succeed at what we were born to do.  Embrace the pruning and move forward.