Pruning

Do you remember this lemon tree from the summer? It lived on our deck all summer long. We brought it inside when temperatures fell below freezing. By mid-summer its branches hung low from the weight of all the lemons that grew on it. Through the fall, the lemons turned yellow and we enjoyed them, one by one. A few were made into lemon pies at Thanksgiving and a few more went into lemon curd for Christmas gifts. I love the very delicate flavor of these Meyer lemons. They are not like what you get in the grocery store. Much more fragrant. Much better.

A month or so ago, I gave the tree a heavy pruning. Long leafy branches were lopped off. Spindly twigs, too. A thorough cutting back.

Pruning is a huge act of faith. You make cuts and hope. For about a month, the tree looked very sad. Dead almost. I began to wonder if I had pruned too severely.

And then, oh wow, I noticed these little shoots beginning to grow. Look just below the cut to the right and below the lower branch just below where it begins to branch out to the left. See the tiny shoots appearing...

It wasn't long before those tiny shoots developed leaves. Tiny, tender, fragile new growth.

Lengthening, spreading, opening up...

Growing in new directions....

One of the aims of pruning is to change the direction of the growth make the tree more balanced and sturdy. This little tree had developed too many branches on one side of the main trunk and with its large crop of lemons, the branches drooped precariously heavy and off kilter. I had to support the leaning limbs so they wouldn't crack under the weight of the fruit. Now, with the new growth, the branch structure seems more balanced. I think the tree will hold up better under the weight of fruit this summer.

I am also beginning to notice buds that will develop into flowers. They are tiny now but will become waxy, fragrant white blossoms that will scent my kitchen and eventually develop into fruit.

I cannot now look at my little tree without thinking of the words of Jesus in John 15...

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 does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5)

Are you being pruned right now? Have you felt the sharp blade of the pruning shears as the Father removes fruitless branches from your life. Are you feeling like a part of you has been lopped off? I have felt that way. I know. It hurts.

Take heart. Abide. New growth will appear. Tender at first, but stronger by the day. Look forward to fruit bearing.

Remember my little lemon tree and be encouraged.