There are circumstances in life where we begin feeling isolated or unseen. This could be chronic illness, being a caregiver or a number of things that side line you.

If we use a garden analogy it is like a showy rose along the pathway that everyone sees and enjoys. They observe your showy and fragrant blooms and later the fruit of rose hips. Suddenly one day the gardener decides to transplant you in a far corner alone where you are unnoticed even when blooming or fruiting.

Or when you feel you are finally growing enough to be a fruitful vine and the Master gardener decides it is time to prune you to bear more fruit.

When we grew grapes when living in Arizona we followed the pruning instructions from the county extension and about 75-80% of our vines ended up pruned off. It was disheartening to see such a huge pile of debris. But a few months later we had the hugest bumper crop of sweet juicy grapes.

John 15:1-2

[1] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. [2] 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.

God, our Master Gardener knows what is best for us and when is best for us. He may transplant us when we would rather stay or prune when it feels so painful. Yet both may develop fruit and Christlikeness in us that we may not have if He had not intervened. He has a sovereign perfect plan for our eternal good and His glory.

As I was contemplating how God transplants, isolates or prunes us to accomplish His purposes, He lead me this poem:

The Master Gardener

God is the Master Gardener.
Who else could make things grow?
He puts within each tiny seed
Life’s vital cell, and lo!
He then supplies its every need;
Sends sunshine and the rain
And blankets warm of snow.
Infuses nutrients of earth
To make their colours glow
And bring new buds to birth.

But to us He gives the privilege
Of providing daily care.
And if we fail to do so
Disappointment will be there.
But if we prune and cultivate
With dedication rare
We soon will be rewarded
With much loveliness to share.

Blossoms bright and fragrant
Will gladden many a heart,
With thankfulness for sharing
A very humble part
In the great life cycle
God so freely gives.
For as our flowers flourish,
So our spirit lives.

Honoria A. Groves

October 17, 1997

Copyright 2008 by Honoria (Nora) Groves