call me when the leaves fall

He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.
— John 15:2

There are a few trees on our property that need trimmed. I called a tree trimmer last summer. We spoke of the task, and he said, “Call me when the leaves fall.” 

Trimming a tree before the leaves fall can be damaging. But when the leaves fall, it signals the tree is entering a new season, one where trimming or pruning can promote health and future growth.

So, we waited all summer to have our trees trimmed. Sometimes trimming requires waiting. I’m not so good at that.

There are times when we want God to act quickly. We want him to prune, to fix, to shape us right away. But in his wisdom, he waits. He lets certain things fall away naturally before he begins pruning. And in the waiting, he’s doing something deep. He’s preparing us for what’s next.

Maybe you’re in a season now where you're eager for God to move, to change something, to bring clarity. But maybe he’s waiting for the right moment to begin cutting away what no longer serves his purpose. This could be old fears, unhealthy relationships, lingering pride, doubts, or whatever is keeping you from growing in a healthy way.

There is divine timing in spiritual pruning. It’s not punishment. It's preparation. God prunes with purpose. He prunes to make us more fruitful.

Be encouraged. If you’re in a waiting season, trust the process. Let the leaves fall. Let what needs to go, go. God sees where growth can happen, even before we do. When the time comes, he’ll call you into a new season, one that’s lighter, healthier, and more in line with who he’s shaping you to be.

Peace,

Dennis and Tina Miller