Of Raspberries and Socks

I am currently participating in an Online Bible Study, and I originally posted this in the Facebook group, and thought I would share it here as well.

"This is the raspberry bush in our yard. It is growing and green, and beginning to bud. However, I noticed today that there are some ugly brown branches and shriveled berries left over from last year's growth. Some are obvious, some are hidden quite deep within the new growth. Unlike weeds that are choking the life out of the plant, these are simply dead branches and likely should have been pruned out to make room for the new life. (I am not exactly a plant person, so I didn't really think about that before this.) In a lot of ways, I feel like this is a pretty good representation of where I am in my life right now. God is making me aware of the old things that are no longer serving me. The thoughts and habits that are now just dead weight, taking up space that could be used for something new and vibrant. These are things that are not inherently bad, they are just old growth that has served the purposes God had for them and are no longer needed. Choosing to be honest about where I am and what I want is hard, but I am learning to be attentive to the way God is moving around me, so that He can prune these things out to make room for the best He has for me."

Since I first shared this, I have been thinking of things I have had to let go of in the past. Friendships that might not have been bad, but also were not challenging me to grow. Stepping out of ministries that I enjoyed, but my involvement was no longer the best use of my time. These things make sense. Then, there are the socks. Matching and folding dozens of pairs of socks each week does not produce much in the way of "good fruit" in me. In fact, it makes me downright grouchy. I did it, because that is what you are "supposed" to do. One day I realized that it wasn't necessary. So now, my husband and I wear the same style and there is a box of clean socks on top of the dresser. And as for the kids, as long as they fit, and are similar in length and thickness, I have stopped wasting my time and energy on worrying about if they are a matched pair. I spend that extra time playing with my kids or taking care of things that are having a bigger impact on our lives.

There is nothing inherently wrong with taking the time to pair up and fold your family's socks, if that works for you. Perhaps you enjoy it and take that time to pray intentionally for each member of your household. As long as it is serving to bring you closer to the heart of the Father, there is no right or wrong there. As for me and my house, we'll throw them in a box and be done with it, thank you very much. The key in all of this is to pay attention to ALL the things God is asking you to move on from. Sometimes we miss the little ones, because socks seem silly.

So Friend, if you find yourself in a season of pruning, lean into it and pay close attention. Maybe God is asking you to stop doing something the way you always have just because you believe that's how it is "supposed" to be done. Or maybe He wants you to release something that you really love. Either way, you can be sure God wants to grow something better.