Finding rhythms

Finding God rhythms in my work, relationships and life is a constant pursuit for me. How do the many roles I am called to participate in flow seamlessly and with energy... meeting the constant demands of people, work goals and achievement as well as valuing family and close friendships- not to mention the need for solitude. Learning how to prize wholeness.

In the gospel of John and in chapter 15, Jesus says: "I am the true vine and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch in me that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (NIV) And then he goes on to say this: "I am the vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing." (Msg)

The issue then in light of Jesus' teaching would become not so much about my busy-ness or my settling back, not even about my doing and how hard I would be serving the Lord and counting the cost. Perhaps though, the answer to my question then rests in the level of intimacy of my relationship with Christ Jesus.

Intimacy and fruitfulness - nothing to be said here in John 15 about busy-ness. It's choosing to be like Mary when so often our tendency is to be like Martha. In considering these thoughts, let me pose the question: What do you need/what do I need to ensure that our relation with Jesus Christ is intimate and organic? What will it take for you to truly care over this relationship? For each of us there will be a different answer - the important thing is intimacy in our relationship with the Father. Does it take more time than we have been giving? Will it take stopping a task, or slowing down a notch or two to take time to consider God in all of our doings? What will it take for me to live a life of intimacy with Christ?

Abiding can only come through prayer and obedience to the Word of God. Out of that place of intimacy where we remain in Christ, our lives will bear much fruit and fruit that is of the highest quality. Indeed, out of intimacy, we can not but help to live lives that produce much fruit for the sake of the Father's glory!