Branching Out

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. This passage makes me think of the large trees on the beautiful Davidson campus. Majestic and sprawling, they arch over pathways providing shade for all who pass. It is thoughtful to imagine God being that for us, a mighty and solid vine or trunk on which we, his branches, grow. Each year, extending further and further out to reach unimaginable heights. We grow from the strength of his base. Not only are we connected to him in such a way that we are growing, but we also branch out to reach others in his name.

As parents, we do our best to be strong and mighty branches for our children. Without a vine or trunk, it is often hard to be the strongest branch for them. If we turn towards the vine for strength, we can provide much more than we ever knew we were capable of to them. Beyond just our children, I believe our branches from God’s vine can reach out much further in different directions to family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes to those we don’t even know. 

Last week, I had a string of different circumstances that allowed me to be a strong branch for others. With every occurrence, I felt God’s vine urging me to strengthen my branch and grow further. No matter the scenario, be it taking and sharing a meal with a family in need, remembering a medical connection that helped bring peace to a friend, taking a friend to an event to help them with a current struggle, or even just providing a ride and support. We all have the capability to grow our branches from God’s vine, no matter how it takes shape. Last week ended with me feeling incredibly renewed and proud of doing God’s work even in the smallest of ways.

Of course, my obvious extensions of my branches are the youth and children of St. Alban’s! There is unimaginable joy brought by the role I serve. I am blessed to know and support all our children, youth, and families. My branches are strengthened by God’s mighty vine, and by those I am grateful to serve. May we all find might in God’s vine and strength in our branches.