This is a guest post from a dear friend of mine.
John 15:1-2
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 it, that it may bear more fruit.
I love that God’s ways are not my ways. Even when I am walking in the will of God, He will often reveal that His purposes vary greatly from my own. Bringing home my older two boys to home-school is a perfect example. I knew it was something God was calling me to do, but I thought this decision was for their good alone. Over time I have realized that it was every bit as much for me.
You see, God is pruning me. I don’t know exactly what I did with all of my free time before I brought them home. (Not a good indicator right there.) I can see how He is lopping off all of the un-necessities in my life. When those branches get long and overgrown, all they do is weigh you down and stunt your growth. All of those wild branches growing in every direction create discord and chaos. The more He takes from me, the more room there is to fill me up with Himself, making room for good fruit. His taking from me is not so much discipline as it is a gift. He relieves me of self-imposed burdens and returns to me a life of simplicity. If I am stripped of all the things which I think I need and enjoy, am I not then ready to receive His cloak of righteousness? For what purpose is there in clothing a man who is already clothed?
When I gave up my free time I realized that God is sparing me from idleness. When I settle disagreements that seem to occur over and over again, God is giving me the gift of peace-making. When I give up my personal social endeavors, I find that God provides me with lasting fellowship. And when I feel like I’ve given up ministry that lies outside of my home, He shows me that leaving a legacy of faith to my boys has far greater impact than I alone could ever have. Praise God for the pruning shears! Without them I would be nothing more than an overgrown bush choking out the life from seeds that have been scattered and entrusted to my care.
I have just found your blog through another and I wanted to say your words spoke so greatly to me today. Thanks for posting your heart and allowing it to uplift those who have the same heart for home and their kids as you do.