Tree Surgeon

One of our neighbours has had two of the oak trees near their house pruned and all the small branches trimmed. The Tree Surgeons were up in the trees for 2 days, and the finished product looks very sad.
The home owners will get more light into their house and garden, and fewer leaves in autumn, for a time. But the oak tree will recover remarkably quickly, and new growth will be even more vigorous than before. That is because it has deep and healthy roots, which enable it to keep growing, whatever happens above ground.
Jesus spoke of 'My Father is the Gardener' - or we might say, Tree Surgeon. '“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.' (John 15.1-2)
At this stage, Jesus doesn't describe how increased fruitfulness happens. From observations of trees and bushes, his audience would know that the secret lies in the root system.
So that is what he then describes. 'You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.' (John 15.3-5)
Events happen in our lives which are like the visit of the Tree Surgeon, and some features of our life get pruned. It may be declining health or changed family circumstances which then leads to diminished options for us. But fruitfulness comes from good roots - close connectedness to Jesus.
If we put our focus on keeping close to Him, then He will produce the fruit we long for.
Best wishes,
Richard