the wild grapevine- a parable

Dedicated to my brother Ben:

The wild grapevine grows in the forest. We are all branches on the wild grapevine.

Many branches spread forth bearing fruit- grapes of green, red, white, purple-to the delight of those creatures that find them and to the glory of the whole wild vine.

Other branches spread forth and bear not fruit, but rather array themselves with great leaves- fuzzy, thick, broad- so that the whole wild vine may receive the light that makes it live.

Other branches grow thick, twining about the shrubs and trees of the forest, so that the whole wild vine may be supported and secure lest it would tumble down and the fruit be spoiled and the vine trampled.

Still other branches fall into shadow, and wither. If too many are darkened, the whole wild vine will be in peril:

Lastly, there are wandering branches. They spring forth from the vine, to find a new place in the sun. They do not do this for pride or arrogance; but rather out of reverence and wonder. Some spring too far and are broken; others find themselves amongst briars and noxious vines and are choked out.

But behold! A wandering branch has found a new place in the sun!

And the whole wild grapevine is made greater.

First published February 9, 2018.