Abiding in the vine…

Living in France this year has allowed me the opportunity to walk through some beautiful vineyards.  I was able to watch the vines be pruned in the spring and watch the grapes grow throughout the summer.  This fall the mountains and hillsides were covered with green vines that were full of gorgeous grapes that were ready to be harvested.  I have never tasted such a delightful variety of flavors in one kind of fruit.  After a year of daily labor by hand of pruning and caring for the vines, the fruit was ready to be enjoyed. 

Of course I was reminded how vital it is for us to be abiding in Christ.  Being a missionary does not automatically mean that I am daily abiding in Christ.  Resting in Him, enjoying His presence, reading His word, seeking His will…these are choices that each of us have before us daily.  It is so easy for the pressures of life, and all our different responsibilities to be our focus that we can forget to live our days out with the Lord.  And when that happens things always start to fall apart.  I personally stop feeling what it means to truely live.  If God is the only source of real life, we have to remember Him in everything we do.  It is only then that our lives will produce fruit. 

Please pray for me while I am studying for final exams and saying goodbye to dear friends.  I will be home in Georgia for Christmas.  I will be packing my bags and moving to West Africa by March.  I would love to talk with you while I’m home.  Pray that even in all the busy moments that I would abide in The Vine, walking with my Lord, seeking His will, and enjoying Him every day. I am praying this for you too.