Pruned

Today some workers pruned four bushes that are close together
Outside our window, and until today appeared to be one,
And gathered up the leaves and branches with cheerful care.
In this season, pruning is called for,
Whether a bush or tree or me.

Jesus says in John's gospel:
"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"
(John 15:1-2; NASB).

What is the nature of the fruit believers bear?
Paul tells us in the letter to the Galatians:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law"
(Galatians 5:22-23; NASB).

(Jesus warns us in Matthew's gospel:
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit. But a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits" [Matthew 7:15-20; NASB].)

When the right season comes,
The bushes will be full of healthy leaves,
Branches where birds can rest.
And similarly,
When the right season comes,
I will be more spiritually fruitful.