Spring, Grapevines and Momma Bird's Nest

As we tended to our grapevine in mid spring, I noticed that small clusters had begun to form. That alerted me to the fact that we would need to guard their progress closely because the end of frost’s date for gardening is not until mid-May.

Two occasions of frost warnings came not long afterward, and we covered the young vines at that time. Alas! Most of the tiny clusters did not survive. But the vine that provided the life-giving sap to the branches is very healthy. So, I was confident that the growth process could begin again.

And it did. Once past the frost warnings, and days of warm sunshine and heavy downpours of water, the vine flourished. The clusters are minimal this year, but last year was a record setter. Nevertheless, our grapevine is gorgeous, huge leaves, though tendrils out of control (they need an arbor) and it became a haven for a Mockingbird who chose the security of hiding a nest beneath those healthy branches. She raised her four little ones there and every time I went down to inspect the branches, she fussed and flitted about nervously, so I didn’t linger too long.

All nature contains many lessons for me. Lessons I have learned from the Master Rabbi. I take away from this season’s gardening experience with the grapevine, a significant point for me to remember as I look at the healthy color of the leaves flourishing. Though the clusters are few, the Father has done His part in providing a healthy life-giving vine for every branch which should, in turn, produce fruit for His honor.

And then I remember my own source for bearing fruit along life’s pathways as a branch from the true Vine.

Abide: accept or act in accordance with.

 I am the vine you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing---. Jn. 15:1-3

 Spring rains brought healthy vines

Spring is on the way...