The Message of the Vine

        "As this is a garden site, we thought we would begin with an appropriate symbol - a vine. A vine grows quite slowly it seems and then by leaps and bounds. It twines itself in many different directions, reaching out, hanging loosely, and entwining itself around whatever is sturdy enough to give it support.

        In times of stress, we feel like a vine, hanging out there loosely with little support. There is a sense of not being anchored. We then, at times, seem to fly in different directions, we are blown by the winds of change, and the stronger those winds, the more difficult it is to find a sense of location, of knowing or sensing how and where we should be.

        During these stressful times, one can remember that the vine does have roots. And, realistically, we must see that sometimes the roots come loose and are displaced from the earth. How strong are the roots and how can we make sure that our own roots are well planted and hold strong?

        The vine itself must be of good stock. It must have strength and vigor and if it does not, then care must be given which will encourage the plant to grow stronger.

        Continue to grow, that is the underlying foundation. That is the message of the vine. Grow with care, grow in reaching upward and outward, grow by being flexible enough to adapt and go in different directions, to try new routes, new paths. Grow in light, grow in rain. Realize that as the vine grows and spreads, no matter how much beauty is visible above the surface, below the roots are also growing unseen. Again, the message of the vine. The roots, the foundation, must become stronger. It is that below and that above working together - that is the message of the vine."