The Best View

“Mommy, I can’t believe you climbed up here because you’re not that good at climbing. I’m so proud of you, mom.”

This left-handed compliment came from the most earnest, smiling 5-year-old. We were sitting on the top edge of a huge overturned tree in a spot specially picked by Roman. I had a whole plan for our one-on-one date, and was excited to show him one of my favorite overlooks in the park near our house. But, instead Roman wanted to show me a special part of the forest that his preschool class had visited many times. 

We had climbed to the top of the tree base, then wedged ourselves into a nook of dead tree roots to eat lunch. “This is the best view ever!” Roman said. Ironically, it really wasn’t. We were looking at some nondescript trees and snow. But, we had a special time together. Roman repeated multiple times, “I just love this view.” And, said that it was “the best day ever because I get to spend time with my mom.” Cue the heart swell.

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Later that day, Noble and I had a date at the park. He was also thrilled to have me all to himself. We played “fire engine,” and put out many fires. We ran back and fourth from the little fire engine to the slides and swings, making siren sounds, as we pretended to spray out the fires with our hoses. In his raspy little 2-year-old voice, he said, “It was fun putting out a fire with you, mom.” Melt. My. Heart.

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The one-on-one time was so good for all of us. The boys basked in the undivided attention, and having the opportunity to spend that time with them was so good for my heart as well.

These moments were some of my favorite gifts from the last month.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from, me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:5-7

I have been learning about God’s vineyard, and how that metaphor applies to me and my life.* The book of Isaiah refers to Israel as a vineyard. Chapters 5 and 27 tell the story of the vineyard that God planted, and how he wanted it to bear fruit. The good things mentioned in Isaiah 5 are justice and righteousness, more fruits of the spirit are listed in the New Testament. But, in learning about God’s vineyard, one thing that stood out was how the vineyard is cared for.

“Sing about a fruitful vineyard: I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it.” Isaiah 27:2-3

Spending that special time with my kids led me to reflect on how I feel in God’s presence. The way my kids responded to the attention, love, and being cared for on our dates is how I feel when I notice how God takes care of me, and when I spend time with Him.

Because Jesus died for the world, not just the Jewish people, we are grafted into the family of God where he is true vine. We are the branches of the vine (John 15:5), and God is the gardener (John 15:1). 

What does it mean that God watches over the vineyard, and continually waters it? We are being continually tended to by the maker of the universe, when we choose to remain in Jesus. The Bible is FULL of examples of the benefits of our faith in Jesus. How the Lord teaches us, forgives our sins, comforts us, heals, offers a fulfilling and rich life, freedom from darkness, peace like nothing on earth can offer… Learning about him continually watering me has opened my eyes to the ways that my soul has felt watered lately:

The one-on-one time with my boys

Consistent walks with good friends

Love Creamery meet up with dear old friends, lots of laughs

A walk by myself in the bright sunshine, a soul-filling time to reflect

Laughing at a Saturday Night Live video, and other comedians with Brok

Our first family walk around the neighborhood

These are just a few examples! I want to remember, take the time to notice, and not forget that I am a precious branch in God’s vineyard. He’s there, above me, continually watering me and protecting me. With my eyes on him, I turn my face up to the water drops, as they fall. I welcome the drops of living water, look for them, and treasure them. And, by doing this, abiding in Jesus, and him in me, and accepting the pruning when it comes, there will be fruit! 

This is the best view ever. 

*I am studying the book of John in Community Bible Study. These verses stood out to me from my time in that study. Any mistakes or misinterpretations are my own.