"For Spring will not last forever."

Wayne Jacobsen is back in his father's vineyard this morning, the vineyard of his childhood.  Winter has fully departed, the preparatory work has been done to ensure that the budding grapevines are in their best condition for surviving the precarious nature of the changing season and Spring has arrived in earnest. The vineyard is practically taking care of itself.  The rains nourish the soil and the weeds, while needing attention, have remained small and relatively insignificant.  The farmer, however, is never far away.  He tends to the small weeds and spreads fertilizer under the vines, ever watchful for anything that could jeopardize the growth and maturity of his "children".

Everything is well in the vineyard, but Summer is coming.  The big weeds arrive in Summer and can easily choke out the vine if ignored. The work that has been done in preparation for this approaching season will determine the vitality and productivity of the vine, and so it is with my life.

Springtime, that glorious season when life is good and challenges are minimal, will not last forever. Mr. Jacobsen cautions me to use these times of great blessing to build and strengthen my relationship with the Keeper of my vineyard.

"Complacency is the greatest danger we face when God blesses us in the springtime.  We don't need to participate, we think God will do it all.  How wrong that is!......The Gardener is doing all He can to ensure a future nourished by His presence.  We need to do likewise."-Wayne Jacobsen (In My Father's Vineyard).

Am I constantly developing patterns for a healthy relationship with God, especially when life is good? I can't honestly say that I am.  But I will not be discouraged since I know that He is the vigilant Keeper of my vineyard and will be ever ready to care for and teach me in good times and bad.

"This year you will eat what grows by itself, and the second year what springs from that.  But in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat their fruit."-Isaiah 37:30 (NIV).

On the health front:

Tired but ready to take on the upcoming week.