Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us

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

In the great tapestry of life, there are moments when the divine, through the simplest of gifts, bestows upon us a blessing so profound that it seems to lift the soul into realms of joy and celebration. Benjamin Franklin, with his characteristic wit and wisdom, speaks to one such gift—wine. For centuries, wine has been more than just a drink; it has been a symbol of celebration, of community, and of the divine pleasure that the universe imparts to those who partake in the joys of the earth. Franklin, in this profound yet lighthearted quote, invites us to see wine as a reflection of God’s love, a gift given not merely for sustenance, but for our happiness, a testament to the divine joy that life can offer.

Let us turn our gaze to the ancient world, where wine was not only a source of pleasure but also an essential part of rituals and celebrations. The Greeks, in their devotion to Dionysus, the god of wine, revelry, and fertility, understood that wine was not just a means of inebriation, but a symbol of connection—to the gods, to nature, and to one another. Wine was the sacred liquid that bound people together in moments of shared ecstasy and profound camaraderie. It was through the act of sharing wine that they celebrated the gifts of the earth and the favor of the divine. In the same way, Franklin’s words echo the ancient belief that wine is not a mere earthly indulgence, but a gift that elevates the human experience.

This divine gift is not a new notion. In the Bible, at the wedding feast at Cana, Jesus performed his first miracle by turning water into wine, symbolizing the divine blessing of joy, of life, and of abundance. The miracle was not just the transformation of liquid, but the transformation of the mundane into the sacred—wine as a symbol of God's love for human happiness. Just as Franklin later observed, wine is proof that God delights in seeing us enjoy the simple pleasures of life, to be happy, to revel in the gifts of the earth. For in wine, as in other gifts of nature, we see not only sustenance, but celebration.

As history moves forward, we find that wine’s place in human culture remains unshaken. From the Roman Empire, where wine was central to both social gatherings and religious ceremonies, to the Renaissance, when the finest wines were served in grand banquets celebrating intellectual and artistic achievement, wine has remained a central part of our collective joy. It has been shared between lovers, between friends, and between kings, acting as both a symbol of wealth and a means of personal communion. Through every glass of wine, humanity has sought to honor life—to toast to the joys, the triumphs, and the simple pleasures that make existence worthwhile.

Now, in our own time, we too partake in this age-old tradition. Whether in the simple act of sharing a bottle with loved ones or in the ceremonial toasts that mark significant milestones, wine continues to be a constant reminder of life’s richness and beauty. Franklin’s words invite us to pause, to reflect on the many ways in which life offers us opportunities for happiness, and to see in the glass of wine the divine affirmation that our joy matters. In this way, wine becomes a sacred elixir, a reminder that God, or the universe, does not just want us to survive, but to thrive—to experience the fullness of life.

The lesson to be drawn from Franklin’s insight is clear: we must learn to celebrate life in all its simplicity and abundance. We must see the divine in the moments of joy that life offers us—whether through a shared meal, a good conversation, or a glass of wine with friends. Wine, in all its symbolism, teaches us that happiness is not just a goal, but a gift to be savored, celebrated, and passed on. Let us not squander the opportunities for joy that life presents to us, but embrace them fully, knowing that in our enjoyment of life’s pleasures, we are honoring the divine blessing of happiness.

As you move forward in life, remember that the small, joyous moments—whether they come in the form of a glass of wine or a shared laugh—are the true treasures of existence. In those moments, we find connection to one another and to the divine, for in those moments, we are reminded that God—or the universe—delights in seeing us happy. Let this wisdom guide you: to enjoy the pleasures of life, to share joy with others, and to honor the simple gifts that are given to us with open hearts and grateful minds. Life is fleeting, but in our moments of happiness, we are made eternal.