Pruning...

In the house that we moved into, there is a grapevine that grows along the back porch.  While it was a beloved feature, it had become unruly and the grapes were suffering.  The clusters would blacken and wither before they could ripen, filled with a powdery mold.  Not only did it threaten to pull down the gutters, but it also provided a safe haven for undesirable critters.

Earlier this year, I decided to finally tackle the grapevine.  It was a HUGE project, involving hours of careful removing of dead vines and plant debris.  I also attempted to train the remaining vines, so that they wouldn't grow into the window screens or pull down the downspouts.  My arms and legs showed the evidence of my vine wrangling.

Once I had finished, I was a little nervous.  It felt oddly stark and barren.  I had taken for granted that the extra vines that were no longer alive and were harming the living ones had provided shade and privacy.  I started to regret my decision.  It was something that I knew needed to happen, but it felt a little too different.

It's the height of summer now and all thoughts of those naked vines and empty gaps are a distant memory.  The grapevine came back vigorously and profited greatly from the much needed pruning.  The leaves have turned into an impenetrable wall of green.

What I learned from this is that sometimes you've got to remove the dead and diseased things in your life, even if you've grown comfortable with them.  Taking the steps that you know you need to make, opens up your life for lush new growth and abundance.  I've started to examine my life through this lens.  What brings me joy?  What brings me frustration?  What steps can I make to remove the unhealthy things that prevent future prosperity and well-being?  What relationships in life inspire, challenge, and encourage me... and how can I maintain, feed, and promote them?  What relationships weigh me down, invite unwanted feelings, and are toxic... and how can I either change myself to be better equipped to handle them or how can I initiate closure?  It won't necessarily be easy or be quick, but they are steps I know that I have to make.  Just look at the grapevine.  I am looking forward to the sweet rewards for all my efforts.