*Pastor’s Note: Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981) was an influential American writer of inspirational and Christian poetry. She wrote and sold millions of books of her verses. Her poetry is quoted almost everywhere. My prayer is that you will be blessed and inspired by her poetry as much as I am.

FULFILLMENT

Apple blossoms bursting wide
now beautify the tree
And make a springtime picture
that is beautiful to see.
Oh fragrant, lovely blossoms,
you’ll make a bright bouquet
If I but break your branches
from the apple tree today,
But if I break your branches
and make your beauty mine,
You’ll bear no fruit in season
when severed from the vine,
And when we cut ourselves away
from guidance that’s divine,
Our lives will be as fruitless
as the branch without the vine.
For as the flowering branches
depend upon the tree
To nourish and fulfill them
till they reach futurity,
We too must be dependent
on our Father up above,
For we are but the branches,
and He’s the tree of love.

From The Poems and Prayers of Helen Steiner Rice: Poetry by Hele Steiner Rice. Used by permission. All rights reserved.