April Chaplain's Reflections Published March 27, 2013 By Lt. Col. Brian Bohlman 169th Fighter Wing MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, South Carolina -- "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2 (NIV) As we enter a new season of spring, I am reminded that life is also full of seasons. During the winter months, you may have allowed some areas of your life to go dormant or undeveloped. As the weather warms up and you get outside to work in your yard, I would encourage you to think about how to revitalize your life just as you would with your landscape. For example, as you get rid of the weeds and overgrowth in your yard, reflect on what areas in your life might be choking out areas for new growth. Make the same effort to clean up those areas in life as you would with your yard. If you plant a new tree, shrub or flower in your yard this spring, think about planting something new in your life, like spending more time with your family or growing deeper in your spiritual life. When you turn on your sprinklers or set out your hoses to water your lawn, reflect on how well you are regularly watering or tending to the physical, social, and emotional domains of your life. As you watch new growth over the spring and summer months, remind yourself that it takes time to see the fruits from your labors. This is also true of the seasons of life. An ancient Chinese proverb says, "One generation plants the trees while another gets to enjoy the shade." Ask yourself what you are doing now that will benefit those who follow behind you. The Apostle Paul said, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). So, remember to tend to your spiritual, emotional, social, and physical wellbeing as much as you care for your yard and landscaping. The season of spring offers us a time to weed, prune, plant, water, and tend to the garden of life. My prayer is that God bless you, your family, and the SCANG family during this new season growth.