The True Vine

Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just 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. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have 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. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." John 15:1-11 

The True Vine

This day got away from me

like a stray hair in a wind

or a wild vine in the sun

today wandered all over and lost me.

We are often knee deep in the weeds

and the garden plants are hidden by trouble

the fruit of life and the gifts of health

hidden in the sore spots and confusion of life.

Today is a good day to remember 

we are tethered to love and mercy

an inconsistent branch of a more sturdy vine

and hardwired for sturdy new life.

In these fragile early spring times

when life is completely possible and so fragile

tenuous as it may seem today to be

love is the earth and sky and all we need.