John 15:⁴ Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

Jesus uses the metaphor of the grapevine to describe an important life rhythm for all people. Just as a branch needs seasons of inactivity and rest to remain fruitful for the long-term, so do we. “Abide in me” Jesus says. I’m entering a season of abiding starting today through next Friday, July 20, so I will not be posting to this blog for a few days. See you when I return!