Despite the Farmer

I always thought I would like gardening. Until I became master over some gardens. Then I quickly realized how labour-intensive it is, how on-your-knees it must be, how the dirt jams in under your fingernails and stays for quite some time. Perhaps because I am not a natural gardener, but a sweaty, hot, grumbling gardener, everything that grows under my imperfect watch is a miracle, worthy of celebration.

Because most things don’t grow at all.

In this well-known parable, a story that Jesus used to tell something about God’s kingdom, we have a gardener who scatters a lot of seeds. Unsuccessfully, in the majority of the cases.

It is only a few seeds that fall on the good ground. But those seeds?

They are unstoppable seeds. They explode with growth. Green bursts through the seeds’ walls. Roots stretch. Leaves unfurl. Sun warms. The plant stretches up toward the light. And multiplies. New life is everywhere with those seeds.

Who wouldn’t want to identify with those seeds? With that ground? Burrow our thirsty roots into the healthy part of the garden?

Take a moment to think about the ground of your life. The ground you came from. The soil you have plowed through. If you are normal, there have probably been thin, rocky times. Maybe there were entire years that were dry and scorched? Maybe you fought off birds and stumbled in thorns for far too long?

But here you are today, in rich, good ground, being nurtured, hopefully nurturing others, and thanking the Farmer who planted you exactly where you could bloom.

Respond in Prayer

Loving God, thank you for this parable that tells us that your Kingdom does sprout and multiply, even when the odds seem against it. Your will will be done, on this ground, as it is in heaven. Give us the faith that Jesus says is required to understand this parable and your Kingdom. Amen.

Karen Stiller