This is a lilacs story. I had been enjoying the spring blooms on the lilac bush in my yard when it began to snow. Late spring snow storms in Colorado aren’t unusual. But it does make the flower lovers among us concerned for the delicacy of their pedals out in the harsh cold.
Before the forecasters began to announce the incoming storm, I had already contemplated using my gorgeous lilacs for a baby bath session. But because I wanted to enjoy them on the bushes for as long as I could, I hadn’t made up my mind about cutting them. Even adorning a baby bath with their beautiful, rich, purple hue stems didn’t seem like a noble enough purpose to bring them inside, as cute as it could be to photograph.
When the large snowflakes began falling from the sky, it crossed my mind that my beloved lilacs would probably die in the freezing cold. So I made a hasty decision to cut them. I immediately bundled up, ran outside, and with scissors in hand I did what I thought was best. But to my surprise, what I observed over the next couple days was an illustration of an important life lesson that Jesus taught.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
The storm was brutal. We got six inches of snow. The next day the sun came out, and on day two all the snow had meted. Sadly, by then, my lilacs inside were dying. But the lilacs still on the bush outside were just as full and plump as before the storm! They endured the freeze. How? Because they were connected to the vine.
Wow, I thought to myself. Jesus knows. When the storms of life threaten us, we will only survive if we remain in Him, connected to the Vine. Other translations use the word, abide instead of remain. Oh my heart, please learn this lesson. Please practice this essential principle. Please abide in Jesus and remain in Him.
This lilacs story ends well. I cut more lilacs after the storm, and had an adorable baby in front of my camera who loved her lilacs bath! The next time we get a spring storm, I will remember to keep the lilacs on the vine where they will be nourished and can survive even the harshest conditions.
And when I go through my own difficulties, I will remember to remain connected to the Vine and abiding in Jesus too.
