BUILD A TRELLIS

According to Wikipedia, “a trellis is an architectural structure, usually made from an open framework or lattice of interwoven or intersecting pieces of wood, bamboo or metal that is normally made to support and display climbing plants, especially scrubs.”

In his book The Emotionally Healthy Leader, Peter Scazzero indicates that trellises are support structures that enable plants such as a grapevine to get off the ground. Trellises help plants to grow upward and become fruitful. 

A trellis is a beautiful image of the ancient practice called a Rule of Life. A Rule of Life is an intentional pattern of spiritual disciplines that provide structure and direction for growth and direction. It is a support structure that helps us to grow spiritually and emotionally.

Like trellises with plants, a Rule of Life organizes our unique combination of spiritual practices into a structure that enables us to pay attention to God in everything we do.

Presently, I am redesigning my trellis. I am preparing myself for a career change in Christian ministry. I am transitioning from administration in higher education to pastoral ministry. Providentially, I stumbled upon Peter Scazzero, a former senior pastor and now a pastor to pastors. I am absorbing his book on leadership. Cited earlier, this volume is transformational.

Before crafting a Rule of Life, Scazzero invites readers to work through the following:

● What do you do, that nurtures your spirit and fills you with delight? List them.

● What things or people deplete you and negatively impact your spirit? List them.

● What “must-attend-to” like health issues, make daily demands on you. List them.

Once you have a good idea of the things that nurture you, deplete you and are non-negotiables on your schedule, you have a basis for considering what you want to include in your Rule of Life. Prioritize the things that nurture your spirit and fill you with delight. Opposite to each item on your priority list, identify the things or people that negatively affects each item.

Now that you have itemized the things that bring you delight and the things that attempt to undermine these things, you are well-positioned to establish a structure for growth. Listen to the desires of your heart. What is it you want most in these areas of your life? The Psalmist got it right when he said: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Building trellises or structures for growth take time. Time alone with God. Time in silence. Time in prayer and meditation. Pay attention to your emotions. Vocalize the things for which you are grateful. Express your sorrow for known sin and accept God’s forgiveness.

Interestingly, there is no need to tell others that you are building a trellis. With time, others will see changes in your personality. Your appetite for things that build will increase. The things that deplete your joy will be choked. Inner transformation will reshape your passions and character.

It is then we can express longings like King David, “Let me hear joy and gladness, let the bones you have crushed rejoice” (Psalm 51:8). Consider Isaiah 35 in rebuilding your trellis.