The First Harvest Part 2

Our kids did exactly what you would have done- found more grapes, and harvested within days. Again we had sweet help and support from friends, who were able to experience the joy of fullness in the fruit and abundance in the vineyard.

Again we feasted to celebrate. In my exhaustion I prayed a grateful prayer for the harvest and for you, and for the first time I forgot to toast, but your youngest grandson didn’t. My grievous omission gave him the opportunity to call for a toast to you, and to bless us all in doing so.

The Lord is truly merciful.

As our children prepared to crush the rest of this first year's harvest without you, I walked to the vineyard- there, reaching heavenward were two perfect sunset roses opening up to the day - you and me. I’m in awe of how I continue to be so very blessed by you, so very blessed by God.

I rested them over the abundant harvest, in the metal vessel that’s graced our kitchen. The grape leaves were in various stages and colors of growth and decay.

I wept.

Because that’s all there is to do,

In this season,

Capture the abundant beauty

Of this life you gave me

And weep.

“Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

John 11:34-36