Vineyards appear in the Bible. Jesus uses them as a means of teaching through parables with references to being connected to the vine, good fruit, and the like.

They demonstrate life rhythms. Seasons come. Seeds are planted, fruit grows, the harvest arrives. Rest. Each crop is different, influenced by the conditions of the year it grows. 

Wine is often discussed with the question, “Was it a good year?” 

The taste, quality, and essence of the wine change. No two years are alike. Some are superb, the result of the ideal conditions. Great temperature, good rain, happy soil, and so forth. Some struggle. Frost comes too early. Temperatures are too hot. 

Was it a good year?

Can’t we ask the same question of our lives? 

What if each year we live was actually a hidden vineyard we get to discover with the Lord?

Were there challenges that arose? Is this a year we want to finish and not spend too much time remembering or tasting? Was it a year full of abundance that we cannot seem to get enough? 

The cellars of our lives collect many bottles of wine, each with their own unique taste. We would not be able to recognize just how great the good years are if not for some of the bad, but regardless, each is part of the collection that makes up the years of life we’ve gotten to live. Each has a place and should be remembered...just maybe with fewer bottles saved from those harder years. 

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15: 1-11

Therefore abide. Regardless of your circumstances, trust that the Lord is bottling a unique wine for the year you’re living. Abide in Him. If you haven’t considered it recently, go visit your vineyard...maybe there’s a bit more to discover for this year that’s been hidden for a while. 

Oh and here’s something just for fun! If you could create a wine label for the year 2020, what would the slogan and picture be? Leave a comment with your best idea!