Growing Deeper

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15

Have you ever considered yourself a co-worker in creation?

As God’s companions we are invited to work in the garden of our family or household. God calls us to partner in the work of sowing seeds throughout our lives. Let’s consider the faith practice of ‘reading’ and ‘talking’ (or sharing) God’s word. We hear the encouragement that comes from Jesus’ parable in Luke 8 – that His word will settle in different places in our hearts.

Sometimes we are distracted and busy, so the seeds fall on the harder ground, unable to sink deep. Maybe we have found ourselves in a busy season and need to be reminded to find the margin in our day or week to listen to each other. Sometimes there’s so much going on around us that these words are strangled by outside circumstances.

There are certainly times when life sends us curve balls beyond our control or understanding.

But Jesus also says, ‘and some seeds fell in good soil,' and those seeds were able to grow, flourish and produce.

Let us pick up the tool of God’s word (pull out your favourite Bible and leave it visible on the table, lounge or breakfast counter), create the time to share (begin a new habit of setting aside this time) and trust and expect some of those seeds to have fallen in good soil, to germinate, grow roots deep and, in time, be harvested.

May God’s word be planted deep in your hearts, as you share His word together.

Blessings, Rachel

Rachel Schilling is the editor of Grow Together, the quarterly family newsletter created to encourage families to share their faith. Rachel is passionate about encouraging families and providing helpful tips and ideas to empower parents and caregivers to share their faith at home.