THE PRUNER

I  love gardens, but was never exposed much to gardening as such. Fortunately my wife simply loves gardens and virtually knows everything  about many of flowers and plants that one sees in a garden. I just happily mowed the lawn when it needed to be done
I have come to appreciate the importance of pruning. I googled  the  word  and was informed that pruning takes place to remove deadwood, it is used to shape the plant controlling and directing its growth. pruning also improves  the health of the plant.
Have you ever heard of Annie Johnson Flint,(1866-1932) a very good hymnwriter (one hymn was He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater) and author,  I read these words penned by her that blest me.

PRUNING

It is the branch that bears the fruit, that feels the knife;

To prune it for a larger growth, a fuller life. O thou who’s life of joy seems ‘reft  of beauty  shorn,whose aspirations lie in dust, all bruised and torn.  Rejoice, though each desire,  , each hope of thine, shall fall and fade.

It is the Hand of Love Divine… that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with tenderest touch.

That thou,whose life has borne SOME fruit, may’st now bear MORE.

May the Lord help to respond to the Pruner’s work so His perfect will can be done in us. Amen.