John 15:5 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.

My morning devotions tells, me, “If you are going to be successful in your vision, you must have a daily personal prayer life with God.” I stop. I read the Bible verse again and I read the sentence from my devotion again. This is a message that I need to ponder. I believe in God, but am I truly connected? Do I reach out to God continually? Or, do I wake up and surge forward on my own? So, I decide to take a “thinking walk”. I walk and ask myself these questions.

I remember times when I desperately needed comfort and God was there with “peace like a river” and times when major problems were resolved in miraculous way. I consider the amazing people that God put in my life to encourage me. I begin to count my blessings. The tears start to flow. I hear the words again, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

My dear heavenly Father, I am so ashamed that need a reminder to come and talk to you. You have been so, so good to me. I am ashamed that I carry my burdens rather than offering them into your outstretched hand. I am ashamed that I question whether my problems can become a powerful testimony to your greatness and love.

I have learned this lesson before and I am so, so thankful for this nudge to come and sit with you, to open my heart, and to tell you how amazing you are, to throw open my heavy burdens, and to ask that once again you work a miracle for me. I humble say that I am so very thankful I am for a God who adores me and wants to help me even. As much as I love and want to help my own children, I know that your love is better, stronger, and more perfect. As much as I want to give good things to my own sons, I know that our assets cannot compare to your unlimited resources that you offer so generously to your children. Lord, I stop and realize that I am your beloved child.

I sit and enjoy the presence of my perfect heavenly father. I come with a desire to connect. I wish to bear good fruit today and I see that in order for that to happen, I need to stay connected to God. Thank you, Father, for welcoming me back to your arms once again. I imagine the warm embrace with my Father-God and if feels very, very good.