Peace Through Pruning

Autumn finds many of us removing dead plants from gardens and preparing homes and yards in anticipation of the coming winter months.

Some plants require pruning—the process of removing dead branches and stubs—which promotes beneficial rest for the plant while allowing room for new growth next season. Pruning also deters pest infestation while supporting a plant’s natural shape and healthy growth.

Recently I was reminded of the importance of personal “pruning”. On an episode of a weekly podcast I enjoy, one of the co-hosts shared his experience of a complete mental breakdown. It triggered the realization that he had taken on way too many responsibilities and wasn’t doing any of them well—nor were they bearing much fruit.

His life required some serious “pruning”:  reassessing his work, ministry commitments, and relationships, while prioritizing and making “cuts” where necessary.

The end result was much less anxiety, and greater peace as he moved through his days and tasks.

Isn’t busyness one of the greatest peace-robbers of our time?

Taking on more than we should, we end up juggling too many spinning plates, not able to put enough time into any one activity to do a job well. Personal enjoyment and fulfillment go out the window and are replaced by anxiety, as we walk around stressed over all we have to do.

As Christians, shouldn’t we want to make sure all we do is God-directed, to the end that our lives bear His wonderful fruit, and glorify Him?

So, with the change of seasons I decided to take stock of what I’m doing with my life, and ask the Lord to show me if there’s something that should go. In a nutshell, here’s what I came up with:

What does my work as a writer and speaker look like, and how much time can I and should I devote?

In my various ministry responsibilities, including as administrative assistant and Board member of an international ministry, as well as serving at my local church—am I taking on only work directed by the Lord, or am I saying yes to other things, motivated by pleasing people or otherwise?

Is managing two online small businesses and 3 websites too much? Oh, and how about being a wife, mother, homemaker, house secretary, as well as other interests for exercise and enjoyment?

You get the idea . . .

In the last 3 weeks I’ve been asked to edit someone’s book and be part of a team embarking on a large marketing project that will probably go on for several years. Initially excited, but quickly overwhelmed by the prospects, I sought the Lord, asking,  “what do You want me to be doing?”

So He’s helped me do some pruning, and affirmed what He wants me to be doing in each category. Like the podcast host, I too realized I’m not good at juggling too many plates. Making necessary cuts and saying “no” has allowed me to put the proper time and heart into each task to do my best.

I have greater peace, resulting in excellence and fruit that glorifies Him.

How about you? Would you benefit from some personal pruning?

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. . . .  Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  (John 15:1,2,4 NKJV)

Pruning can be painful in the moment and feel like a setback. But as we abide in Christ and take our nourishment from Him, we come back healthier and stronger, able to bear even more fruit.

Take time to abide in Christ, the vine, and receive nourishment from Him today. He’s waiting to help us with every decision, every action.

He’s waiting to give us peace.

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton