February 17, 2006

My Journey to God

The Sower and the Seed

The parable of the sower and the seed is easy for me to envision on these odd pseudo-winter days.

As I step out to get the mail, I’ve noticed some tiny flower seeds have started to sprout. Although I know well that more cold days will wither the early shoots, recent winters have shown that other speck-sized seeds lay buried, waiting patiently for the right conditions to bring forth flourishing blossoms to deliver joy to humans and critters alike.

I wait in hope knowing that after my vigilant care of the flower bed, the miracle of growth is truly out of my hands.

This parable is a reminder for balance in my approach to faithful living and building God’s Kingdom. Yes, God plants the seeds of faithfulness in me and in those around me. I must tend these as a gardener tends her flower beds, regularly and carefully, with prayer and deed.

Yet there is an element of holy watchfulness. I must acknowledge with humility and patience that it is God that causes growth in love and faithfulness. I cannot by any deed force growth. It comes in God’s time.

I know there are seeds and shoots of faithfulness planted deeply within the soul-soil of the people around me each day—even in me!

Some days, I see growth peeking out and I wonder if it is hardy enough. Other days, I am impatient to see some progress. Each day, I try to tend gently with prayer and remember we are like flowers in God’s garden—each one growing on God’s timetable toward a sturdy and beautiful kingdom, brilliantly colored with love, mercy and justice.

Where do the seeds of faith in your life need some gentle tending?

Where is it tough for you to have patience with God’s timetable?

By Michelle Vander Missen

(Michelle Vander Missen is a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis and a regular contributor to the parish’s Daily Reflections ministry sent by e-mail to more than 5,500 people throughout the world. This Scripture reflection was based on the Gospel reading for Jan. 26 (Mk 4:26-34). To subscribe to St. Monica Parish’s Daily Readings, log on to the parish Web site at www.stmonicaparishindy.org.)

 

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