Vines, perhaps like some great artists, need to suffer to make good grapes.
Anne Bousquet, Domaine Bousquet, Argentina
The northwestern end of the Dry Creek Valley, where I work here in Sonoma County, ascends the Coast Range to elevations of almost 3,000 feet. If you’re willing to travel miles on rugged dirt roads you’ll find large sprawling vineyards in extremely remote mountain areas. There:
- the soil is thin and quite volcanic
- sun exposure is intense, with some vineyards above the fog line
- water drains away quickly, keeping roots healthy
The result? Highly desirable fruit with smaller berries, lower yields, and concentrated flavors. Root systems have to move deep into the subsoil for sufficient water and nutrients. The vines will put more energy into producing fruit rather than full, leafy, (and unproductive) vine canopies.
On the other hand, provide a super-favorable environment, and the vines have a choice:
- great fruit!
- or large, thin-skinned, watery fruit and thick leafiness
The vines will choose leafiness. It’s easier. For a vine, fruit takes effort. Vineyard crews will be sent in to thin the canopy so sunlight can reach the clusters and they can mature properly.
This is a strange season of isolation, inconvenience, and creeping anxiety. It is also an opportunity to dig deep spiritually. Difficulty is designed to turn us toward God.
If God hadn’t been there for me,
I never would have made it.
The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,”
your love, God, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
you calmed me down and cheered me up.
Psalm 94:17-19 (MSG)
Are you paying attention to the Word preached in your local church, yes, online? It will be rich and nourishing as you listen with intense need. Send your roots deep.
Do you need a spiritual system review? If stagnant or bitter water has collected around those roots, you’ll need time in prayer to address this condition. Time in prayer means time in prayer.
Are you and your family staying in close touch with your church family? Make that call, send that text or email, participate in Zoom meetups, and watch parties. And when you reach out to those you know are feeling particularly isolated you will bear fruit with beautifully concentrated flavors for God’s kingdom.
God’s eyes never look away. What He permits is always to build strength and endurance in us. This is the message to convey to the children and grandchildren under our influence.
Stay trusting. Remember: a spiritually robust life is not provided – it’s grown.