Last year when I drove past a nearby apple orchard in late winter, after it had just been pruned, I saw how drastic pruning can be. Some branches were removed and others were a third of the length they once were. The trees looked pathetic and I was certain that little would come from them in the fall. Yet, despite my negative thinking, nature did its work and the sap began flowing. Seven months later, the branches on those same trees had not only grown, but were full of apples. This week I drove past the orchard again to check the trees. Sure enough they were pruned way back once more.

I have to remember that suffering is like being drastically pruned. It hurts, much is painfully removed from my life and things look bleak, holding little promise for any kind of new growth. But just as those who prune the orchard have experience with fruit trees and understand which cuts to make and which season to do it, my Father the gardener wisely knows the best cuts to make in my life to yield the most fruit. Despite my lack of understanding, after the harsh winter, the life-giving sap will flow once again. Somehow, with God's help, I will be more fruitful. I just need to be patient and work toward accepting what has been removed from my life.

Whether I become more caring of others, wiser, or exude the joy of knowing God more intimately than I did before adversity, I will be a better person.  Life will be richer because I will be able to comfort those who are devastated by loss in a way I never could before. I will be able to communicate hope because someone will see that I've survived what they are facing. And I will remember that sometimes it is better just to hold someone who is sobbing and not say a word because I learned though experience what a special gift that can be.

Reflection for Gaining More: As you work to rise above your difficult or painful circumstances, how can you reach out and help others rise above theirs? In what ways can you be more fruitful?