Prayer, the sacraments, loving obedience, and suffering in union with Christ are what keep the Christian sap flowing in our lives. They yield the fruit we yearn for most: a life that resounds with meaning and energy, a life that positively impacts others and exudes joy and enthusiasm, a life that changes this world for the better in as profound a way as Christ's own life did, and a life whose meaning and impact overflow into eternity. This is what God wants for us; this is why Jesus came to earth: "By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples." Bearing such fruit makes life worth living; without it we are dry, dead branches good for nothing except the fire.