Every weekend, home improvement stores are filled with people braving long check-out lines, determined to tackle that project that will make their living space more attractive, pleasing, and perhaps increase its potential value. The “do-it-yourself” demographic features many who are accomplished carpenters or craftsmen. They simply follow directions or their own intuition to build something beautiful. But in our spiritual lives, going it alone does not work. Jesus reminds us that he is the vine — our strength — and we are the branches. Apart from him we can do nothing; but with him all things are possible. Our Lord asks only that we give him our best efforts, sacrifices, and hard work, and that we trust he will use these gifts in miraculous ways to bless and transform our lives — if only we stay attached to the vine.