another lesson in the alley...

As I was driving to work a couple of mornings ago, I noticed something new in the alley. On the left, if you remember from the morning glory post, is a brown wooden fence. There is a vine of morning glories hanging over it into the alley, and recently, another vine has followed the morning glory's example and come creeping over and through the fence. This one is also a flowering vine of some sort, and this was the view to which I have been treated this week:

Not only does the green brighten up the alley, but it also has lovely little white flowers on it:

I was also intrigued by the vine itself, as it was twisted all around itself in a beautiful way:

That twisty vine got me to thinking... and as I often see in nature reflections of our relationship with God, it made me think of the verses about Jesus being the Vine...

"I am the true vine..." ~John 15:1

"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." ~John 15:5

He is the Vine itself; we are but the branches sprouting off from it. He is the source of life, and it is by being connected to the source, to the Vine, that the branches can produce fruit and flowers. I must stay connected to the Vine to be fruitful and truly beautiful...

The other thing that twisting, clinging vine reminded me of was how tightly God holds onto us... strengthening us, keeping us safe, helping us to stand strong, and lifting us up when we are weak or weary or discouraged. He holds tightly to us...

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10

The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. ~Psalm 145:14

And we, in return, wind ourselves around Him, cling to Him and hold fast, like the vine and branches entwined in the photo:

...you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now... ~Joshua 23:8

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me... ~Psalm 63:8

What a wonderful picture of clinging to the Father and of His holding and upholding of us. I am reminded of His care and am grateful for the unique ways in which He does the reminding!