If you keep up with me on Facebook, you already know I enjoy visiting the local North Carolina wineries. Through the years, I have become familiar with those who work the vineyards. I've even gone into the rows of luscious grapes and blueberries to pick the end-of-season leftovers. But I've never been into one in the depths of the off-season, when all is drab and hopeless looking.
I was at one last week walking through the desolate rows of vines, and I want to tell you about my experience. The owner pointed to a vine in the distance and assured me it was indeed healthy, as were the others behind it. Then he said, "Watch this."
He spoke nothing more. He didn't have to. With his head bowed low, and I mean down low, discouraged low, shoulders hunched low, he walked a straight line from where we were standing to the vine. Without explanation, he got as close as he could to the root and turned around, extending his arms to grab the thick branches on each side. He nearly had to stand on tip-toes to keep his balance. He held his legs together, slightly crossing them at his ankles.
No words. Only silence as he stood there, head still bowed down, arms splayed to each side, legs together. Oh my goodness. I got cold chills.
Jesus knew about vineyards. He wanted his disciples to get a visual of who he was, so he told them, "I am the true vine and My Father is the gardener." (John 15:1)
His disciples had been around vineyards, so they knew about this strong, main vine that had branches coming from it. They had seen what I saw last week in the waning days of winter. They got it.
Just like I got it when this vineyard owner appeared to be hanging before me with an Easter visual I will never forget. I hope you get it too, this crucifixion visual on the vine.
Don't let Easter egg hunts and soft cuddly bunnies be your Easter visual. Think of this picture and visualize what I saw.
Catch of the day,
Gretchen
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