Mountain Roads - Pt 6

[Jesus said] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5 ESV).

My days of “hiking” through the mountain trails are long since past. However, I have found that there are many “quiet walkways” along the mountain roads of the Smokies. Mary and I have taken a few of these through the years. Typically they are easy walks through the lush green landscape of the mountains. I’m always reminded of our reading when I think of these little jaunts. There are several reasons for that reminder. The most prominent of reminders is the beauty of the forest. When you understand the cycle of the forest it becomes even more meaningful. While some of the trees tower above us, seemingly reaching beyond the peaks of the mountains themselves, they could not survive without all the underbrush. It is the smaller plants that provide the continuous nutrients to these great trees. I’m also reminded that even though the path I’m walking seems leisurely, it is not aimless. It is designed to take me to a very specific end. God does that. We are not a part of the vine for ourselves. We have been grafted into the Vine of Christ so that we might be able to both receive what we need and give what we receive to others. We bear fruit. Last, I am also reminded that there are also some briars and poisonous vines along the side of this quiet walkway. I have been tempted to stray from the path from time to time. That never ends well. Being very allergic to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, all of which are very common in the mountains, I pay a steep price for straying off the path. I wonder how many times God has made my life path plainly marked and as easy to travel as possible, and I stray from the path only to find briars and poison ivy? Perhaps that is where you find yourself today. Get back on the path. Take a quiet stroll through the landscape of life. God will bring you through to the end of it!