The Detour I Needed

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (NKJV)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

I pulled up to the intersection and was met with the sign: "Road Closed for Construction." I sighed in frustration. The list of irritations had been growing all morning. An energetic child waking me before my alarm. An unexpected power outage right when everyone was getting ready for school. Smoke alarms blaring shortly after (thankfully, no fire). The hot water heater beeping its service signal. One thing after another had interrupted my already busy week, and I could feel the effects in my body.

As I turned my blinker on to navigate the detour, a phrase popped into my mind, and I realized what I'd been lacking that morning… what I needed most.

Abide in Me.

In the chaos, I'd skipped my usual moment with Jesus. I hadn't taken time to abide with Him, and my attitude showed it. My lack of fruit-bearing was evident. But in recognizing what was missing, I also knew how to correct it.

As I drove, I talked with Jesus. I poured out my heart to Him, and the Holy Spirit brought Scriptures to mind in response. My breathing calmed. My body relaxed. I could feel the difference abiding with Jesus made after my frazzled morning.

As we enter this busy holiday season, it's easy to get distracted by our to-do lists and the needs of our day. We miss what matters most. In John 15:5, however, Jesus reminds us of the importance of abiding in Him. We will feel the effects when we don't, and we'll see the evidence in our lack of fruit.

How are you abiding with Jesus today, dear one? Have you acknowledged Him this morning? Before the demands of your day pile up, take a moment to abide. Pour your morning coffee, open His Word, and simply sit with Jesus. Tell Him what's on your heart. Listen for His gentle voice. Those few minutes of abiding will sustain you through whatever interruptions come your way, and they'll help you bear the fruit of patience, peace, and joy that only comes from staying connected to the Vine.