Part of the vine

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. (John 15:4 NLT)

Country life can be isolating. Geographically, Tiskilwa is separated from the "big city" of Princeton by about 7 miles, a big hill, and a whole lot of open farmland. I drive the kids in and out of school each day. The drive to and from town is lovely, especially now in the fall, but is a reminder of how separate the towns are.

I'm also socially isolated. I'll admit, some of it is self-imposed. I don't feel like I've made many friends here yet, and I've not gotten to know any of the other parents at drop off and pick up at school. Most kids ride the bus.

Todd's schedule is incredibly busy, and my role has been to "hold down the fort" here at home. That often means being tied to the house, doing nothing more than cooking, cleaning, laundry, and taxiing kids back and forth. I'm trying REALLY HARD to find beauty and joy in these very important but mundane tasks. Some days are better than others. I'm used to feeling like what I do is important, but lately I just feel like nothing I say or do makes any difference. Isn't motherhood an awesome ride?

I'm feeling severed from the vine. And as John says in the verse above, we cannot be fruitful unless we are close to God and a community of His faithful. I am in love with our churches and the people here. They are good, smart, loving, hardworking people. My faith has been strengthened here. And I know with time I'll start to feel more a part of the community. I will find more opportunities for fellowship. And hopefully, my work here will produce fruit that will enrich our churches and the surrounding communities.

To help alleviate my feelings of isolation I'm joining some groups : Ministry Wives of Bureau County and MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers). My first Ministry Wives meeting is tomorrow morning, and MOPS meets the first Tuesday in October. I cannot wait to meet these women and hopefully start to feel like part of a vine again.

How do you battle isolation, self-imposed or otherwise? What makes you feel like part of the vine? In what ways have you been fruitful lately? I'd love to read your comments!