Most of us don’t know much about grapevines, even though it’s one of the oldest agricultural endeavors known to humankind. I mean, someone plants the vines, sure, but where do they get them in the first place? And how does someone know where to put the supports for the vines to grow on? And how long do the vines take to grow big enough to produce grapes?

Essentially, from initial planting to harvest and winemaking, viticulture is a story of long-term dreams and hopes brought forth with patient labor abetted by fortunate weather. It takes years to start up, more years to grow to ripeness and productivity, and even more years for the wine to age to perfection.

Like our music ministries (You knew I was going to get there, didn’t you?).

Some churches that have been around a long time have well-established music ministries that are thriving in a climate of respect and enthusiasm. Some new communities are starting from scratch with extremely limited resources and even less money, but are blessed with willing volunteers and patiently supportive assemblies. Some communities have been around a long time but have let their music programs languish from lack of interest or effort; still others have settled for quick but unsatisfying results.

We’re supposed to be in this for the long haul, making the best wine possible out of the grapes we’re given. We’re supposed to nurture the tender shoots, and trim away the dead wood, and bear good fruit.

All we have to do is ask, says the Lord, who is the vine upon which we all depend.