True Vines

“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 does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in 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. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:1-11

We spent part of yesterday putting seeds in the garden. Mostly rows of beans - limas, black beans, green beans of several varieties and royal burgundy beans (they grow purple on the vine). We chose bush beans for the most part and we also planted some peas, which will climb and grow producing prolific vines which will wrap around anything they come in contact with. Vining plants are fascinating, they send shoots in all directions drawing others in and intertwining themselves with their neighbors. They hang on for dear life and they are soft and engaging while being sturdy and persistent.

Jesus tells his disciples that they are part of the vine - the source of life which seeks out light and life drawing all to the vine. The only requirement of us is that we abide in the vine meaning that we try not to pull away but give in to being surrounded and drawn close, knowing ourselves not separate but intertwined, held up and part of the God vine, the source of all life and health. Jesus tells his disciples this, as he tells us, reminding us all that we are not alone and constantly sought out by the Creator.What a gift to us and we are simply to accept the gift and hang on to God fpr dear life, knowing that is where we belong and who we are related to.

Today, I want to give thanks for being bound to the strongest vine, despite the challenges of life, the wind and the weather, God has already sought me out and included me in the life of God and all creation. None of us is far off and is constantly being drawn near, entangled by love in the loving, tender arms of the source of all.