Dear Diary,
This morning, Sister Mary Claire and I walked to Mass, the gravel road crunching under our feet as Mini trotted ahead, her breath making little puffs in the cold air. Father LeRoy’s homily was about Jesus as the True Vine, and I listened carefully, thinking about how He gives us life, just as the vine nourishes its branches. Father said that sometimes, God allows us to be pruned, just like a gardener trims a vine so it can bear more fruit. Sister Mary Claire explained it on our way home, saying that pruning can feel hard at times, but it makes us stronger, shaping us into what God wants us to be.
The idea of pruning stayed with me all afternoon. After lunch, I went down to the cave, hoping to find signs of Shaggy Coat. The air was crisp, but not too cold for a walk. The little stream still trickled at the grotto, though ice lined its edges like lace. And then, near the entrance of the cave, I found them—a pile of gnawed sticks, left behind by my beaver friend. They reminded me of the pruned branches Father had spoken of at Mass. Shaggy Coat had trimmed them away, just as God sometimes trims things from our lives to help us grow better.
I stood there for a while, looking down at them, thinking. What had God pruned from me? Maybe my impatience when chores seem endless. Maybe the times I want things my own way instead of trusting in Him. The sticks were useless now, stripped and scattered, but the beaver had a purpose for them—just as God has a purpose when He prunes us.
As the sun faded, I hurried back home, where Sister Mary Claire was setting out supper. Mini curled up at my feet, and I felt warm and grateful. Even when I don’t understand His ways, I want to trust that God is making me into something better, just as He does with all His branches.
Dear Jesus, True Vine,
Help me to remain always in You, growing strong and bearing good fruit. When I am pruned, give me patience and trust, knowing that You are shaping me for something greater. May I never wither, but always be rooted in Your love. Amen.
Good night, dear Diary,
Love, Kathy
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