Dormant Vines

During the winter, our two vines are dormant. (Our vineyard is small, hence the name "cottage" vineyard, not vineyard cottage.)  That doesn't mean they are dead or useless.  The season of their lives is a quiet one, restful.  A similar situation has happened between the Vintner and I.  We realize that we are entering a new spring in our relationship.  We've had a dormant time between the two of us, because that was the season of our lives.  We needed to focus on our children and our home.  As we enter into a new phase, we are not changing from who we are.  We are changing from the child bearing years to a different type of production.  We are reaching out in a different way.  I can look to my vines and see that in just a few weeks, they will bud new leaves and begin a new yearly cycle.  In my own life, I had begun to think that winter was Right and True and Good, and how I would always live.  I thought that my social dormancy was some how better, and that a retired life was more virtuous.  This is not true.  "To Every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3.1.  There are other seasons, too.  Yearly seasons, despite their beauty, are not the only ones.  Our lives are so full, if we are not so busy emptying them.  In my own life, I see a budding much like my vines will soon, and it's wonderful!

A Social Time

Here at the cottage vineyard, there isn't much to do during our dark nights.  I have time to get out and spread the gospel.  Not proselytizing, but going forth into the world with fellowship.  Showing people the joy that fills one's heart when one loves Christ as I do.  In the past few years, I've sat at home, quiet, not making trouble, but rather making needlework or yarn crafts.  While there's nothing wrong in a lady staying at home occupying herself in this manner, that's not quiet what it means to be a Christian.  Our deacon ends the service with, "Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit."  After listening to this every week, I think it finally sunk in.  I need to not spend all my free time at home.  Pastoral care cannot be a solitary pursuit.  We are not Christians to be isolated.  Monastery life is not what Jesus had in mind for most people.  Listening to others with radical compassion, patience and love is an amazing way to spread the Good News.  Letting others see just how much joy is available to them in Christ.  Not lighting the candle and then hiding it under a bushel.

A Wonderful Response

My friend sent a wonderful response in a short note.  Since then, we've chatted briefly over the last week.  I'm delighted that my invitation has been received so warmly.  After so many years of distance for no good reason, I'm re-establishing a friendship that should never have faltered.

We have so few opportunities to really connect in our busy, modern world.  Even when we do, we neglect our true friendships too readily, too easily.  We pass a moment with so many people, but we don't delve below the surface.  We have snatches at surface level interactions.  Our time is spent before screens, in a mild state of hypnosis, trying to occupy all our time.  Without meaning to loose our grasp, we let go of the relationships that give our lives the most meaning.

As for me, I decide to change.  I'm listening.  I'm conversing.  I'm making an impact, an impression.  I'm adding real meaning to the connections with others that I have.  Won't you join me with your own connections and interactions?

Waiting on a Friend

I've written an old friend, in hopes of re-establishing a friendship.  I've realized lately how valuable old friends are.  A friend of my mother's has just lost a dear friend from childhood.  Reading her words on the value of these friendships over decades has opened my eyes on what I need to do.  While I have a handful of friends of that long duration, I've not focused on them much in the last two years.  Granted, I've been caring for three young children, two with permanent serious disabilities.  All the more reason for me to understand what really matters and what doesn't.  Keeping up with latest clothing fashions? I haven't missed much in the last two years.  Not keeping up with old friends?  I've shortchanged myself.

I hope to hear from my friend at all.  I hope to hear a positive response instead of a rejection, and a preference to maintain the distance.  I am prepared for both options.  Ideally, I'd love to have a companion for hiking, or swimming laps at the natatorium or just coffee.  While my solitary respite was necessary at first, it has now become merely lonely.  A friend is the perfect remedy.

After a long absence due to caring for our youngest child, I realize how much I miss writing.  It has been a difficult time.  Waiting for a child to heal his heart is a bit like women who waited for their husbands to return from campaign.  There's no time for ordinary pursuits when one must take upon oneself herculean tasks.  Survival and hope that the loved one survives too is paramount.

On a lighter note, my vines are thriving.  I hope to take a photo and upload it soon.  I harvested my first grapes this fall.  I'll be expanding my vineyard next spring.  Hope is a wonderful fertilizer.

Praise and Elation

After a difficult first year with our third child, he now appears to be doing well. He still lags behind in many ways. However, we no longer fear for his life. Many thanks to all who have kept him in their prayers.

Also, we have formerly joined a neighborhood church in the Anglican communion. We are so pleased and so blessed in many ways. We'll have the boys baptized at Pentecost, and hope to resume normal life soon.

Our Vines

Our vines are thriving, although growing a bit slowly. Our children progress as well. While it would be so easy to have healthy children, I appreciate the gifts God has given me.