Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.
~ Benjamin Franklin

“You’re going to spit it out?” the incredulous winery server said.

“Well, yeah. We’ve got three more wineries to visit today,” I laughed.

She shrugged and I spit the deep ruby cab in the silver spitoon.

Spitting some of the richest, sweetest wines goes against every one of my grains, but is a necessity when touring wine country the way Jason and I just did and keeping a clear head about it.

I spit wine in Napa because it is, as Frederick Buechner says, “…booze, which means it is dangerous and drunk-making.” Dangerous like so many good, great things: money, food, sex, firearms. All dangerous, all good.

Did God really give us these risky things, daring us to enjoy them in moderation, wisdom and understanding so we might lay hold of the abundant, joyful life He offers us? Could it be that God takes immense pleasure in us taking controlled pleasure in all He has created…the safe and the risky?

Pastor Dan Scott says it this way: “The Lord wants us to learn to be responsible with dangerous things.”

The beauty of wine – or any other good and dangerous thing – can only be enjoyed when I acknowledge both its exquisiteness and its destructive potential.

**

“Here’s to reclining,” I said, clinking my glass with Jason’s over spaghetti-smattered dishes. We had spent nearly two hours at the table that night not long ago, laughing, crying, eating, talking…reclining. In recent months, Jason and I have become increasingly aware of our need and desire to slow down and take in more of the best stuff: rich flavors, nature outside our windows, each other’s company.

And there’s something about uncorking over a meal that gives more room for that kind of reclining. The wine is kind enough to open itself to us – revealing intricate flavors and fragrances – and we open up to each other as we chill out, breathe in, slow down, share dreams, and connect souls.

***

Jesus outted Himself as Yahweh’s Son by turning water into wine, the best wine it is said, at a wedding in Cana. Why water? Why wine?

Winemaker and owner of Cunio Cellars Gino Cunio gives a glimpse into Jesus’ miracle. The Cunio label not only tells the story of the wedding feast in Cana, but shows Jesus’ hands dipped in water, because when Jesus did miracles, even as earthy and mind-boggling as wine-making, He touched.

Jesus showed us with His own hands that wine is sacred.

“Laughter and bread go together,
And wine gives sparkle to life…”
Ecclesiastes 10:19

Wine teaches us a little about life, too.

Posted under life stuff  |    5 Comments