A month ago I was trimming some branches in my yard. I put then in the back of my truck and proceeded to drive around with them for about two weeks. (I guess I wanted all my neighbors to be aware of my Ohio (hillbilly) roots.) As I hauled them around slowly the branches withered.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (Luke 15:5, 6)
As they withered I decided to cut off a piece and put it in my office as a graphic, physical reminder that I have to stay connected to God if I want to be of any use.
I whiz through my days like I’m on some big race hoping that if I do a little bit of everything, I’ll have accomplished something. But all this does is leave me exhausted and frustrated. The summer is passing and I haven’t created a single valuable memory with my family. Alex says, “mommy come to the pool with us today.” No, I have an important meeting, I say. Maybe next week. But “next week” comes and goes. Working from a home office has meant working in a self-made prison. I never leave my desk. I never turn off my computer. I realize I’ve become that character in the movies who lives their life working and trying to do the right, accountable thing, but all the while forgetting about their family.
I peak in on the kids, still deep in slumber. I’ll snap my fingers and they’ll be grown and out of the house. So on this morning, I stop and feel the sun streaming through the window. I hear the sound of the crickets, the mourning doves, the garbage truck. I sip my cup of coffee instead of chugging it. I click on this Life-Change blog and read each entry. Something I’ve never taken the time to do, passing these emails off as “something-to-do-later-when-I-have-time”. I realize I’m the withered branch that Brian speaks of. So I write to my boss. “I am taking 2 days off starting now”, I say. I prepare a picnic basket. I turn off the computer. I can’t wait to tell the family….today is for US. This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (Luke 15:5, 6)
Way to go Gina!
You are right … before you know it the kids will be grown and out of the home. Just as we schedule time for work, we must set aside time to spend with our family and with God. With an office in the home, if you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen.
Well, I had noticed those branches and wondered about them. I see, once again, that with all of the “daily happenings”, God has his hand in it all.
So, I saw you with an appliance in your truck today. . . I can’t wait to hear what God has whispered in your ear from that!
Perhaps we all can create a weekly outing with our kids. Wonderful things could grow from this.