A few weeks ago I had a short break in Herefordshire. On our first day we decided to walk from Ledbury to Much Marcle, a distance of around 7 miles. We used a recommended route, with notes about interesting places along the way.
After leaving Ledbury by a rather overgrown and neglected footpath running alongside an industrial estate, we were finally in open country. Our first hurdle was to negotiate a path through a field of inquisitive cows – fortunately they were not too inquisitive. Our route notes told us we would have splendid views of the gentle hills and soon be walking through pleasant orchards.
Sure enough we were soon amongst rows of apple trees. We could see industrial buildings ahead, and the trees soon gave way to rows and rows of vines, heavily laden with grapes which would soon be ready for harvesting. As we were following the footpath, we were greeted by the vineyard manager who gave us our own private tour. The wine is named 1276 which was intriguing.
The literature that accompanied our wine purchase, (well it would be rude not to,) said, “in 1276, the Bishop of Hereford’s ‘Red |Book’ recorded the planting of ecclesiastical vines on the south-facing slopes of Ledbury, Herefordshire.” Here we were nearly 800 years later sampling wine from those very same slopes.
Jesus knew a little bit about wine making – he turned the water in 6 large stone jars into nearly 180 gallons of the best wine – not some cheap plonk!
So as we made our way back to our accommodation, I was able to reflect on how Jesus was able to respond to the immediate needs of the wedding party, and that he generously responds to our needs, not in half measures, but in abundance.
Prayer: Generous Father, thank you that you see our need and respond with abundance. Thank you that you fill us to overflowing with the very best of you, with no half measures. AMEN