Seeds

There was a hard frost a couple of weeks back which meant the end of everything green in the garden. I tend to think that there can only be beauty in the living, thriving plants . . . but my eyes saw differently as I worked harvesting the flower seeds the other day.

Jesus replied . . .

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies,

it remains only a single seed.

But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

John 12:23-24

I saw the beauty in these dry, dead plants. I remembered when the soil was tilled months ago and the flower seeds were individually placed in the ground, covered tenderly, and even prayed over. I remembered how they sprang up slowly, then overtook their designated rows, to eventually bring vibrant color to the vegetable garden. Now, though brown and dead, their beauty shines just as bright if one is able to look past the cold winter ahead and dream about next spring.

The potential of just one of these seeds planted in the ground after months of freezing temperatures could literally last my lifetime and beyond.

But only by harvesting them, collecting them, and then being faithful to plant them yet again.

Which means, ultimately, releasing them to grow where God allows them to grow.

"The man who loves his life will lose it,

while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servants also will be.

My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say?

'Father, save me from this hour?'

No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.

Father, glorify your name."

{Jesus}