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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Vines (11/21/05)
Every morning he would tend his vines; it was something he did everyday. Some days he would find the vines growing peacefully, maturing the way they should. Other days, the vines would be jumbled up, some falling away from the main line or dry from not enough nourishment.

Today, the middle of July, he was once again checking out the vines. This morning he found some startling changes and he knew that something unusual had happened.

The first row of vines looked good, almost perfect. The second row looked well but a bit stressed. It was the third row of vines that caught and held his attention, for they were dry, withered and on the verge of dying. He had to do something soon or the vines in row three would be lost forever.

As he made his preparations of water, cords and careful handling, he recalled the day when he planted all the rows of vines. Each row started out the same, careful planting, careful watering and watching and a prayer for each one that it would grow healthy, strong and able to withstand all kinds of weather conditions.

Why is it, he thought, that some of the vines did well all of the time, while others needed constant attention and tending to? It was almost like people, he thought. Some people do well, no matter what, while others seemed to need constant attention, approval and help to keep them on track.

Maybe the troubled vines in row three were like that because they, like some people, “chose” to go their own way instead of relying on a higher power?

He thought more about this and the more he mulled it over in his mind, he came to the conclusion that it wasn’t his fault if some of the vines didn’t work out well. Maybe it happened simply because of “time, chance and circumstance.”

Still he cared for all of the vines. He decided to stay still for awhile and pray for those vines that were stubborn and wanted to go their own way.

He prayed,

“Dear Lord, please help me to be patient with the vines that are often troubled and sick; for I know you want them to do well and to be healthy. Maybe they just need a little more guidance. Help me to be more attentive to them and help them to know how much good you want for them. Thank you, Father; for you always understand.”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Kyle Chezum
11/29/05
Good story! I liked the comparison between vines and people.
terri tiffany
11/30/05
This was a good comparison and very clear. Nice writing.
Marilyn Schnepp 
12/03/05
My take on this is that it depicts a pastor, minister or priest. The shepherd tending his flock, the gardener pruning his garden or the Lord caring for his many worlds. Each of them taking special pains and efforts with the weakest of their subjects. I thought it inspiring.