Reaching For the Vine

“Watch out for the wasps and bees! They love the grape vine.” These words were spoken by my Aunt Lerah every summer when my parents and I visited her home in North Carolina. As a young girl, I remember arriving at our destination in the family car. As my father turned the ignition key off, I bounced in place on the back seat and waited for the okay to jump out to explore the farm.

Several barns constructed on the property held mysteries, surprises, and sometimes scary things like snakes or fire ants. One barn was full of chickens and a mean rooster who enjoyed chasing people. Perhaps he was protecting his territory. Meows from newborn kittens could be heard from the other barn. A third barn was for tractors and other farm equipment. Dust filled the air whenever a vehicle traveled the road to the farm.
A true North Carolina farm. Rows of corn planted as far as the eye could see. Weeping willow trees swaying in the southern breeze. Apple trees bursting with blooms producing green and red apples. Arbors that stood bare in the winter became dressed with criss crossed vines during warm weather. The blessings of farm life came along with hard work and struggle at times.

One of the activities I looked forward to most was picking and eating grapes from the vine. A wooden arbor next to the house survived each season. The wood changed colors due to heat and cold. Some of the nails holding the arbor together rusted. As Spring arrived, sprigs of vine appeared. Then, small grapes formed. Sometimes when the grapes matured, jelly would be made and placed into jars. Other times, the grapes fell on the ground for the animals. Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends waited for the day when the delicious treat was ready to pick.

My aunt always shared the warning to watch out for stinging bugs. Summer would not pass by without someone crying out in pain after being stung.
The grape vine arbor provided a place of shelter from the sunshine on hot and humid days. Yet, everyone was told to be careful.
“Don’t eat too many grapes. Your tummy will hurt.” Lesson learned by me many times.
“Watch out for wasps and bees. They will sting you.” Lessons learned by many people.

The arbor was made from two poles that stood about six to eight feet tall. The top was connected with more pieces of wood for the vine to attach itself and flourish. Children often asked for help when reaching for the grapes.

The grape vine reminds me of how God is the vine and we are the branches. We reach for Him and He gives help. We cry out and He listens. We praise and He hears. The grape vine grows because of nourishment. We grow by feeding our minds and bodies with His Word. The Bible shares that God loves His creations forever. Reach for Him. He is the vine.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV)

Reading the Bible daily helps to deepen our relationship with the Father.
Have you read His Word today? Have you reached for the vine?

In His Name,
Melissa Henderson