bloom

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit,” John 15:16

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

My Abba,

I realize you created the seed that is uniquely me. You brought me to life with specific characteristics and gifts. You carefully prepared the soil and planted me. You watered and nourished me. I did not spontaneously grow by myself.

You designed me to bloom and bear fruit. I don’t want to just stand around looking ornamental. An ornamental fruit tree can look good but doesn’t bear a single piece of fruit.

This idea reminds me of my husband’s disdain for the pear tree called the Bradford pear. I learned that name is a misnomer. It seems some ingenious human thought it would be an awesome idea to sterilize the perfectly beautiful pear tree you created, in favor of a pear tree that actually could not produce any pears.

This is what leads Cal to repeatedly proclaim each spring when Bradford pear trees flaunt their lacy, white blossoms, “Those trees are not worth the space they take up! Who wants a fruit tree that doesn’t produce fruit?” Although I have to admit I love the white flowers, I think he has a point. Fruit trees bearing flowers and delicious fruit are obviously more desirable.

I don’t want to just take up space in your garden. By your power, I want to produce supernatural, life-giving fruit that can nourish others. I know you give me endless opportunities to be fruitful. Sometimes I seem to make good use of those opportunities, and sometimes I squander them. Please forgive me.

Thank you for giving me what I need today to bloom and bear fruit for you. I want to be a beautiful, productive tree in your garden. As the Gardener of my soul, please nurture me in a way that will result in glorious growth.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

As long as you rely on my Spirit to produce fruit in your life, you will supernaturally bloom and bear fruit that will never fade. I can bring a glorious harvest of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Remember though, I have a one-of-a-kind way of producing my fruit in you. Fig trees grow figs. I want you to produce fruit in keeping with your spiritual D.N.A. I gave you the capacity to produce unique fruit in my kingdom that is specific to you. I don’t expect a peach tree to produce apples. I designed apple trees for apples. There is great freedom in living within your design.

Don’t try to create fruit that belongs to another tree. The fruit I designed you for is perfect for you. I want you to see the diverse beauty in my garden the way I do. When I nourish, water and shape you, it is my joy to witness your growth. You honor your Gardener as you flourish. The blooming of your spirit is my delight.

I love you,

Abba

photo: volff 

NLT