Today’s scripture: Matthew 13:24-26, 31-32 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Theresa Benson):
Put another way, no matter WHAT gets planted, it’s going to grow and flourish. Whether it’s weeds or wheat, or a huge mustard plant, it’s gonna grow.
It’s one of the first lessons we learn as kids — remember the paper cup full of potting soil, planting a seed, putting it in a sunny window and watching it grow over the next several weeks? It’s one of the earliest examples of cause and effect, too, if you think about it.
But today’s thought isn’t about wheat, weeds, or mustard seeds. This whole planting/growing, sowing/reaping, cause/effect thing doesn’t stop at seeds and soil.
Think for a moment about the holiday gatherings and events coming up — are you looking forward to them or dreading them, making some of the visits solely out of obligation? Does your over-perfumed, picture-snapping, cheek-pinching Aunt Matilda drive you a little crazy? Do the sideways compliments on your cooking “this is delicious, where did you buy it?” have you wondering if driving nine hours round trip is worth it this holiday?
Picture your holiday visits, and then stop and pay attention to your body for a moment. Just thinking about it, is your jaw clenched a little bit? Do you feel relaxed? Are you genuinely looking forward to seeing everyone? Everyone?
Our thoughts are seeds from which our experiences grow. Just like kernels of wheat grow into stalks for harvest, focusing on the negative aspects of getting together with family at the holidays will most assuredly lead to experiences where all those things that drive you crazy will happen and you’ll be miserable again.
Can you imagine, if instead of planting “weeds” this year, you purposefully, in creative connection with the Holy Spirit, planted seeds that could lead to a beautiful and memorable holiday?
It’s not too late — it’s never too late — to consciously ask God to remove the dread you might be feeling about certain aspects of this time of year and to fill your heart with anticipation of a loving experience.
Thought for the day: Whatever I plant is what will grow.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.