Rooted in Love

“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


Rooted in Love

The momentary surprise in the garden
that encounter for the ages
has led us to a life of commitment
a life of bearing fruit.

Our path has never been easy or simple
standing out in every crowd
never belonging always traveling on
we tended what we were given in each time.

Some days are all Easter and some Lent
the bearing of others burdens and shame
we walked in each and learned their language
and found shelter and home in these deep roots.

To others we look less than whole
rendered more than complete by many artists' hands
we live our lives across the palettes
and love completely throughout the sphere.

When rooted in love our jobs are simple
make love the path and love the song
and all our labor is never in vain
God walks our garden every morning.