My Father Is the Gardener

There are things, too, that may not need to be in our lives. These things need to be cropped or pruned to make us more like Jesus. For each person, the pruned objects may be a different.

My husband and I have attended the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament on Daniel Island, South Carolina, for the last 15 years.

It is the only time we spend a weekend away without our kids. I enjoy the tennis but also enjoy photographing the wildlife on the island.

There are several places where I love to photograph birds. When I first spotted this great blue heron, he was not far away, sitting at the edge of a pond. I was astonished, but I shouldn’t be because the Lord always brings what He wants me to photograph.

A little later, the heron walked straight towards my camera! The composition of the heron in this image was perfect—I did not crop it. So much of my photography has to be cropped. I often crop images to help frame the subject perfectly or take out distracting objects in the photo.

There are things, too, that may not need to be in our lives. These things need to be cropped or pruned to make us more like Jesus. For each person, the pruned objects may be a different.

READ MORE: PEACH BLOSSOMS IN THE LIGHT

Several years ago, the Lord started revealing to me TV shows I needed to stop watching because of the content in them. They weren’t bad shows by any means, but for me, there were scenes I did not need to watch. I need to keep my mind pure and Holy, and prime time TV doesn’t often fit that agenda.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2, NIV)

We need to abide in Him.

What needs to be cropped or pruned out of your life?

Share this story

A Grateful Heart Devotional Journal

Deepen your devotion time by celebrating the blessings in your life and refreshing your spirit with gratitude.  You’ll also get a coordinating Scripture bookmark – FREE!

Take a Peek Inside!

Buy More, Save More! Order 3 copies, Save 15%; Order 4, Save 20%; Order 5+, Save 25%
Discount automatically applied at checkout.

Read More and Order
Easter Sale 2024 Right Rail Ad

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Scroll to Top