It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.

We have a lot of seeds being planted in the Gospels this week.  It’s a funny thing about seeds, they are very small in stature but if planted and cared for, they can do mighty things.  It just takes time and care; time and care.

We planted seeds in our house – literally.  For years we had a small garden – mostly vegetable to make salsa.  We would start late spring, early summer – growing peppers, tomatoes, cilantro and it would take weeks for the garden to grow.  Heck the one summer, we even did corn.  We’ve since stopped because in Ballwin MO, every garden I planted was used to feed the deer and for a couple of years we would go out to pick the veggies only to realize the deer done picked them clean the night before.  I buy my salsa now – I prefer PACE.

But the seeds we are still nurturing and caring for are our children.  We’ve invested a lot of time and love in them and some of them are blossoming into the mustard trees our Lord speaks of in Today’s Gospel.  Others seem to need a bit – OK, a lot – more nurturing but just as my parents pushed me, so Sarah and I will push – nurture – them until they start to bloom and bear the fruit for others to grow from.  It is a long process, but we are in it for the long haul.

Do something great for our Lord today – if you have a deer tag, please come to my house and thin out the herd – I’m missing my fresh salsa.

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid; just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.

He must increase; I must decrease.

Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.

But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness.  Compete well for the faith.