Throughout the gospels we see Jesus allegorize spiritual growth through mustard seeds, vineyards, gardens, and fields to harvest. Basically, horticulture was Jesus’ jam! I don’t know about you, but when I read those passages they are beautiful, but almost fablesque. Because I grew up in the city, the idea of a Sower went out to sow, feels like, Once upon a time. 

My mother—the amazing home school ninja that she was—made me plant beans in a styrofoam cup with dirt and we charted growth. She explained that the art of growing seeds is a long process and patience is required. After a month, I finally saw a sprout. But by that time I was completely over the understanding of horticulture and more interested in the latest episode of the Cosby Show. [Even till this day, I wish I could be as classy as Mrs. Huxtable!]

If my memory serves me right, it took almost three months before the plant was the length of my hand, and another three months before it even looked like a real plant that was going to survive the environmentally unsafe life of living in a styrofoam cup! My mother actually transplanted our bourgeoning bean plant to a pot and several months later, she showed me the fruit of my [read: her] labor. In her palm, she proudly held out four beans. Wait, hold on. FOUR BEANS. Our harvest was complete and it yielded a bounty that could feed an ant. My dreams of having a garden were dashed. Back to watching the Huxtibles resolve conflict and hug it out in 30 minutes of sitcom glory!

Maybe her learning lesson was right, though. The art of growth is a long process and patience is required. As much as I want to have life as perfect and funny as a family-friendly comedy show, I think it’s more along the lines of trusting and tending to the seeds you’ve planted in life.

This past week I randomly wrote down all the places I’ve worked or roles that I’ve had since the age of 15.

• Lifeguard
• Librarian Assistant
• La Mirada High School School President
• Makeup Artist
• Junior Editor for Harvest Press
• Swim Coach
• Soccer Coach
• Turbo Kickboxing Instructor
• Administrative Assistant
• Youth Leader
• Mentor
• Event Planner
• Bible Teacher
• Human Rights Activists
• Stepmom

In the process of all those jobs, seeds were planted along the way. It wasn’t until years later that I finally saw fruit.

The kids you work with will probably never stop and thank you for being their youth leader. You might never know the effect of the event you planned or the conference you hosted. And honestly, your kids may never rise and call you blessed [let’s leave that to the Proverbs 31 woman]. But fruit will come. It may not be today, tomorrow, or next week, but there will be fruit.

Oh yeah, where there is fruit, there are nuts. Don’t get sidetracked by crazies, just do what you have been called to do… even if it feels like nothing is growing.

The Lord replied: “Look, and be amazed! You will be astounded at what I am about to do! For I am going to do something in your own lifetime that you will have to see to believe.” Habakkuk 1:15

Speaking of planting seeds, I’ll be teaching at Mariners Church this Sunday night in the chapel. If you’re free and want to learn about love and relationships, come on down!