Plant on Fertile Soil

I talked to my mom about my little flower garden. I was somewhat sad that some of the flowers I planted weren't sprouting, while in other parts of the flower garden, the plants were flourishing. She said I should move some of the flowers that sprouted to the area that was barren. So I went to my little flower garden. As I started digging, I pulled up many large rocks from the soil. It was then that it hit me—it's similar to the parable of the sower. I have planted some seeds on rocky ground and they, in turn, have not sprouted. Amazing! I also encountered weeds that were trying to choke the plants that had sprung up.

So, I posted my finding on Facebook and one of my friends chimed in—deeply, I might add. Here's the exchange:

Me: Just finished gardening. Had to re-plant some flowers because I planted some of the seeds on rocky soil—and they didn't sprout. Sound like a familiar story?

Cheryl: Fertile soil required…means the hard stuff must first be broken up, and we all know that breaking up is hard to do. Pain—a necessary part. Parting—a necessary pain.

Me: I didn't realize it was rocky soil until I started digging around. It looked like perfectly good soil when I planted the seeds.

My friend, may we always sow seed. And may we always sprout where planted. And may we always have friends who can spot the barren places of our hearts and may they dig and get through to us to uncover the rocky places underneath our lives—those places we try to hide, those places that make our souls barren. And may we forever be under the ever-loving tender care of the Holy and Great Gardener.

thoughts and pix of full garden on 5/21/09 myd