A Worker on the Vineyard

i work on the vineyard. there is always much to be done on any given day. most of us start out planting seeds hoping to witness the day when an entire harvest springs forth from them. along with watering them, we learn how to offer words of kindness and encouragement when needed to help these seedlings to grow with strength.

occasionally, one or two passers-by on this vineyard drop a careless comment or take an unguided step and trample on the tender shoots. when that happens, we have to be there to make sure that these shoots, though lost and shaken, remain firmly rooted and continue to reach for the light.

the work is hard... but the rewards are many. they more than make up for the drops of sweat fallen.

but sometimes, i still forget why i do what i do. in planting these seeds, i forget to thank the Lord for handing me these seeds to plant. in watching my seedlings grow and helping them to grow in strength, i forget to be grateful for being given the task of nurturing them.

most of all, there are times when i try to spy approacing storms but in looking that far ahead, i miss the golden rays of sunshine beaming down on all of us right now.

when i pull out the weeds that threaten to choke my plants, i fear that i may accidentally pull out my plants in my anger and resentment. the line is fine for where anger stops and love begins.

working on the vineyard is not easy... but i can't leave because i love the job.

the best part is... there is always a guaranteed bountiful harvest. what can i ask for than to be able to reap my rewards and be aware of these gifts?