The branches in my Northeastern town remain bare. Last November’s leaves are still strewn on the ground, some lightly covered in a dusting of snow.
Despite the windiest winter ever, the few leaves in the photos hung on. Wind, snow and cold fought hard to rip those leaves off as they had pulled down every other leaf in sight.
Those. Held.
While these branches wouldn’t be considered a vine and the paper thin leaves are certainly not fruit, I thought of that scripture when looking at these photos I took a few days ago.
“I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.” John 15:5 GNT
The verse is actually speaking of not being able to produce good things (“fruit” such as love, joy, patience…) without remaining attached to Jesus (the vine). Depending on what’s going on, it’s not even “good things” I’m clinging to Him for. Sometimes, we hang on tight merely to survive the smaller struggles that can overtake our time and minds – swiftly ripping us from the Vine – if we’re not paying attention.
“Remain alert. Keep standing firm in your faith. Keep on being courageous and strong.” 1 Cor. 16:13
Tales from a Mid-Lifer 
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