The sun was rising, glowing the high clouds and changing my complexion to a unique shade of purple and pink. Coworkers were hurrying to their cars in the cold November morning, not realizing the sky, concerned with their red noses and burning ears. I planted my feet to the side of the sidewalk and stood, in complete awe of the simple reminder of new mercies which are fresh every morning.
As I stood, I realized that beside me a coworker had also been frozen by the beauty rising in the sky. He looked over at me, I at him, and we both just smiled and turned our gazes back to the rising sun. He also knows about the new mercies. I silently thanked God for him. It’s good to know that there is at least one other person at my job who loves You, too. Where two or more are gathered. Thank you, Jesus.
After silent praises, I continued my journey down the sidewalk and to my car. If not for the daily new mercies, I thought, I don’t know where I’d be.
Grow, move, re-plant, bear fruit. Bear fruit.
Bear Fruit.
“I am the vine,” Jesus said…Any branch that does not bear fruit will be cut off. Branches that do bear fruit, though, will be pruned so that they can bear more fruit. (John 15:1-2)
During what I now refer to as “the dark time” this last year, I’ve produced a small, terrible crop. I was not cut off – thanks to new mercies and a Father who continually gives Grace. I’ve been pruned down. It’s tough to lose these bad limbs, it hurts. There will be growth, though, and new branches will bear fruit.
I thank God for grace and for giving daily reminders of mercy.
I thank Him for these small, simple times which I can breath in and know that growth requires a time of cutting down, of breaking.
Again – there will be growth.
