Last night, Patrick and I joined an intimate group of friends gathered for a child-free evening of fun and food, and wine. Red, red wine. I feel a million dollars when it's just in my hand. (Thank you UB40... UB my best friend for that song.)

I have an early history of ambivalence when it comes to wine. Oh I'd drink it if it were available, at say, a wedding. Or if somebody brought a box to a party (aah, boxed wine, truly the pinnacle of man's accomplishments!) Anyway, if there was wine around, I'd drink it. I'm polite that way. But I didn't really have a taste for it. And then, magically, sometime after Wrenn was born, I discovered an appreciation for that sacred drink.

I found that a glass in the evening was just perfect, as I was making dinner. One glass, and a smallish one at that, and my mood lifted instantly. It's like I had been holding my breath and didn't know it, and suddenly, aaaah. Chill.

I like my wine room temperature, red, not too dry, and not too sweet. One glass will do the trick- though I'll have more in a social setting. I like generous sips, and pretty glasses. I'm not hung up on labels and brands, as long as it tastes good. I've had wine made from grapes (surprise, surprise!), muscadines, strawberries, blueberries, elderberries, and most recently, apple blossom wine, which was incredible, and very rare. I think I've had peach and blackberry and others I'm sure, but I can't think of specifics.

What do I like about wine? At first, I didn't like the taste. Too bitter for my palate. But I drank it for the physical impact- and I don't mean drunkenness. I'm talking about that immediate warmth that slips down your throat - it's like a fuzzy blanket on a cold night. I can feel my face flush slightly, my cheeks feel rosy and cozy and quite nice. I smile a little easier, I am comfortable and chatty and happy. The taste of wine became synonymous with that sensation, until one day, it was liquid joy on my lips, a beautiful flavor.

This is not about drunkenness. I won't defend drunkenness as a Christian, because I think the Bible is undeniably straightforward on that. But you can drink wine and not be inebriated, just like you can eat food and not be fat. The Bible actually encourages us to enjoy wine - and no, it doesn't mean grape juice. (I'll be happy to pass along text to support that if you want.) Wine gladdens and cheers, and causes the heart to exult, and that is from the Word of our Lord. It is a gift. Like a sunset, or a kiss, or a cool breeze, or a baby's laugh.

I have heard the argument that as a Christian, I should avoid wine (or other alcohols) because it can be misinterpreted by nonChristians, or because other Christians believe it's wrong. I reject that line of reasoning. For one, I do believe it is a gift, like I mentioned. Who am I to snub the gifts of God, for mere man's opinion? That sounds like such a justification, but seriously- do I think I am too good, too pious, too holy for something that GOD Himself has given me? Secondly, I think wine is a wonderful symbol of the joy we have in Christ, the liberty and the blessings we find with our Maker. I see this as a testament to that, and I happily engage in conversation to explore it with people who may think differently. And in the end, if we have to agree to disagree on the subject, I can accept that. I won't drink my wine in front of you if it makes you uncomfortable, and I won't try to force you to see my point of view. I am respectful of your opinion, just as I hope you are of mine. (Even though my opinion is a little more right than yours. Ha.)

Anyway. I share this here, because last night, I found a depth of happiness that needed expression. As I ate a wonderful Italian meal with friends, at a table overflowing with candles and grapes and beautiful linens, and drank rich, red wine from pretty decanters, and laughed as we scribbled a game of pictionary, I reveled in the joy of it. The abundance of blessings seemed to be the theme of the night, and I can't help but feel God was pleased as His children enjoyed His endless benevolence.

As I lift my glass filled with wine, and eat from my plate filled with savory food, and share an evening filled with laughter, I am filled with thankfulness, and I offer a silent prayer of gratitude to my God.

His gifts are good and perfect, and gladden the hearts of men.