“Listen! A Farmer went out to plant some seeds…”
Matthew 13:3b NLT
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One day it occurred to me that I have sons… sons that will be grown, independent men someday.
***DON’T WORRY!!! This is not a “parent’s only” topic. It’s more about the wisdom that hides in plain sight right in front of us all.***
So as I thought about that, I realized that I have secret hopes and dreams for their somedays that I don’t really take the time to think about in the business of these busy, chaotic days. Someday I hope that they will be men of great faith, full of:
Confidence
Compassion
Mercy AND truth
Humor (Steve Carrell funny, not Jim Carey funny.)
Passion for problem-solving
Patience
Resourcefulness
The more the list grew, the more I realized that I have to plant those ideals TODAY for them to grow into those virtues TOMORROW. And all those things – plus dozens more – each hinge on one thing.
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! (Matt. 13:3b-8 NLT)
Obviously the last seeds are the ones we want to be. Here’s how to get it – that ONE THING:
23 “The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Matt. 13:23 NLT)
So, whether I’m considering my sons’ futures or my own, the answer is the same: for a rich harvest, you must plant your heart in an authentic knowing and understanding of God’s word. I could spend my days drilling confidence or kindness or any one of those great qualities I listed earlier. OR, I could simply focus on that one goal of truly knowing God, it will produce a harvest of 30, 60 or even a hundred times more!
So, this week, my challenge for myself and my family is to ask God to bless us with ways to connect His word to everything we do each day. I want even a trip to the McDonald’s Drive-Thru to connect to God’s awesomeness.
And I want to hear from YOU – where do you find ways to hear and understand God’s word in the Monday-Friday chaos? Please comment below!!
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Dear Lord, you are the only real source for a deep, meaningful life. I want my roots to be so deeply tangled up in you that nothing can separate us. I want this for me, for my husband, for my kids, for my family, friends, and enemies. Please help us all see more ways to hear and understand your word every day. Amen.
Ok…so this post is so timely for me! I just got a fitbit and I have become obsessed with all the things it tracks from the steps I have taken, to the sleep I am getting. I have been thinking all week how awesome it would be to have a fitbit to track my spiritual health. Just think of what it could all do…. Imagine all the little reminders and challenges to feed by soul with God’s word. Would my daily graphs and stats show that I am focusing on things that stretch into eternity, or am I focused on things of this earth that are temporary? Am I as “healthy” as I really think I am, or maybe I could improve? While the fitbit is helping me focus on my physical health it has in a way encouraged me to take a holistic approach and examine my spiritual health as well! 🙂
I LOVE that idea – we should TOTALLY invent a Godbit. I took over Mike’s Fitbit and I can totally relate to what you are saying!!! I’m going to be up all night thinking about that analogy!!
I will add it to our agenda for our next get together. 😉
This kind of reminds me of my God goal for the new year. I’m trying to be more intentional about sharing experiencing God with Chad. This incorporates prayer, devotion, and whatever else. The point is to be mindful and force the issue. It’s so easy to be complacent and let important habits go by the wayside.
I fall into complacency so easily, too. You are so not alone on that one. You inspire me so much with your influence in Chad’s life – as you work on your God goal this year, you have to know that it is making an impact far beyond what you might be seeing in your daily world. My life is rocked by your God goal ripples. 🙂 Keep on keepin’ on, Nick.
Thank you for today’s message.
Thank YOU, Laura. I read your awesome message on FB today about your faith and it was electrifying to my soul! I love your bold faith!!