Time with God

Yesterday, during William's nap, I took the time to sit outside with my bible and coffee.  It was a beautiful fall day; the leaves are already splashed with red, orange and yellow, the sun was streaming through the branches, birds chirping, and there was just enough snap in the air to make it feel like an autumn day.  That beauty around me was the perfect setting to raise my mind and heart to God through some bible reading.  I was only out there for 15 minutes, but it was enough to refresh me for the rest of the day and keep me focused on Our Lord.  I always complain that I don't have the time to set aside for prayer or reading, but when it comes down to it, I know I can spare at least 15 minutes at some point during the day and I'd like to try to keep it up.

John 15:2 particularly struck me with everything that has happened; "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he will take away: and every one that beareth fruit, he will purge it, that it may bring forth more fruit."  This reminded me that to be a part of the True Vine, which is Jesus, we must take part in his suffering.  Suffering bears fruit and brings forth joy, but in order to continue bearing fruit, sometimes that fruit must be purged and taken away, just as flowers need to be pruned in order to bring forth other flowers.  If this life were meant to be all comforts and no challenges and trials, how would we ever grow and learn?  We couldn't continue to bear fruit, so Our Lord must continue sending us trials so that we may continue growing and bearing fruit.  Just thought I'd share that small thought that popped into my head when reading this. :)

I also wanted to share something else that touched me yesterday.  I received a package from my sister-in-law and her husband with a very sweet note and this little statue as a reminder of our little Gabriel.  What a comforting thought that our little baby is protected in the wings of his guardian angel and it's just nice to have something else around to remind me of the baby I once carried.  Thank you Miriam and Dan!

~Lindsay