A Vintage Year

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him,
he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

                    

   
                   I ran into an old high school friend today at the grocery store. There we stood chatting away about kids, work, writing books, and wondering where in the world 20+ years have gone. What was supposed to be a quick 10 minute errand for my husband's jug of diet iced tea became a 40 minute reunion which was no doubt one of God's carefully orchestrated moments, which wore on my mind long enough that it prompted me to write about it. My friend said the years had been kind to me, but I think that's because I had eaten too much salt the day before and most of my wrinkles were plumped a bit from the bloat. I found myself offering him bits of encouragement, as the recent years had  disappointed him.  After wishing each other a happy new year, we went our separate ways, but I couldn't help but wonder what the next 20 years would hold for each of us. I watched him load up his trunk as I munched on some sweet potato chips (Ok, I bought more than the tea---but only because the coupon was about to expire!) and then drive away.  Ever since, I've been thinking about this chance meeting and marveling at how each of our little lives plays out differently over time.

              While driving home, I found myself rewinding my past in my head --choices I've made, blessings I've received, relationships I've maintained, weight I've gained, cars I've driven, places I've never been, outfits I wish I had burned...  When I'm 80, will I look back with regrets, despair, or joy? Then in the middle of my flashbacks, I heard God distinctly whisper to me, "Yesterday you were there. Today you are here. Tomorrow you'll in a different place...but you'll always be in my hands."  He's right, you know. Time is His precious gift to us. Each of us  has the same about of time in a 24 hour day-- but we are only existing-- not living-- unless we are careful how we redeem it. 

              It's so easy to misuse this precious gift of time. It's meant to be more than a numbered block on a calendar page. Sure, we need to record appointments and birthdays, but God's calendar is different because He trusts us to make every SECOND count. I don't know about you, but I  often  sit and count the seconds instead--waiting for things to change or opportunities to arise. By doing so, I overlook the value of His generous gift and tell myself that there's always tomorrow. But in reality, that day isn't really promised to me and I should not put off doing for others while waiting to see what God's doing for me. That visit to a sick or lonely neighbor, chance to witness or encourage, or partly written letter may never happen if I put off the Spirit's prompting. Am I so busy that I have time for nothing else, or am I busy doing nothing? That is the question! Maybe I just need to remember that I am a work in progress, a cross between a grape Slurpee and grape juice. Let me explain... 

                  2011 has been quite a challenge for my family in every area of our lives, so let me just say it hasn't been a vintage one, or has it? I'm by no means a wine enthusiast --up until a few years ago I thought the proper term for such a person was "wino." Motherhood, however has taught me that the difference between "wine" and "whine" is that one is not so easily corked. But, the past 365 days have definitely educated me about dregs, feeling pressed, and being pruned--and I don't mean a mammogram or bad haircut. It's taken me decades to begin to understand that pruning and pressing are necessary in order to produce enough vitality to pour out upon others and fill their cups with cheer when they need it most.  Every rainy or dormant season and every drought, combine and give us  strength, character, and clarity, ready to be shared with others on any occasion--even a chance meeting at the grocery store. If Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches, then God must be the Master Vintner who allows us to endure many processes in life.  If we impatiently complain (whine) and resist the changes, we'll just end up with a bunch of sour grapes. However, if we appreciate and learn from the changes, then we will no doubt yield a fine vintage with a sweet, heavenly taste. Simply put---whenever we feel the need to "whine", let's just put a cork in it and cling to The Vine.



                Again, I don't know much about making or tasting wine but I do know there are three main ways to sample it. Maybe these methods can also apply to the ways others can get a taste of our own vintage which is dated the year we are born. 

SNIFF -- Can others detect a pleasing aroma when we are around? Can they detect  bitterness, sweetness, or in my case, fruitiness?

SWIRL --When we feel as though we are being jostled about or that life is swirling by, are we free from the impurities that only God can clarify and filter as we're held to the Jesus' light? 

TASTE-- Do we leave a bad aftertaste in the mouths of others, or do others want to get more of a taste of what we have to offer?   

               Well, 2012 is just hours away and I plan to celebrate with my own "vintage" as a 38 year old vessel a.k.a. "Aging Barrel" with raised arms to toast my Maker and possibly a few steamed shrimp. Whatever this year holds, I'm pretty sure it will be a lovely vintage as long as I endure it with patience, appreciation, and a willingness to make every second count, because I know He's not finished with me yet.

             No dancing, no confetti, no horns blowing here-- just quietly welcoming in the new year. No music, no bubbly, no ball on TV....

Happy New Year to you , may it bless you richly.