I was reading Henri Nouwen the other day about pruning. Pruning means cutting, reshaping, removing what has diminished vitality in our lives. Nouwen said that grateful people learn to celebrate even amid life’s hard and harrowing memories because they know that pruning is no mere punishment, but preparation.
God is doing a work in us. When my friend does not understand me, when someone leaves the church over a non-biblical issue, when someone slanders my husband, God has he opportunity to do a work in me.
Paul told us that in our weakness, God’s grace would be sufficient for us. (2Cor.12:9)
Countless ones of us have been pruned over the last two years. Things and opinions and attitudes have been exposed. It can be hard. However, do not grow weary in doing good but remain hopeful for what can happen in us and through us.
I leave you with this bit of wisdom from Nouwen, “…the gift of life has revealed itself in the midst of all the losses.” Sometimes with a loss, we see the goodness of God in our present, but also in our past. May we have the ability to see and experience all that God has for us in this season.
Blessings,
Thora
