The Smallest Seed

He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ And again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.’ Luke 13:18-30

Last weekend at the Matoaka Covenant Event, we ate three sisters stew with corn, beans and squash. We then sat around after dinner talking about how hard it is to successfully grow a three sisters garden. We can have all the right components, but without good sun, good soil and good timing, it can be a terrible challenge. Many of us just give up when things don't work out. And yet, God's abundance is always with us, and wisdom comes with patience and not giving up. Living in the Creator's love, means living with small, impossible seeds, and tenderly caring for them. The Creator provides the blessing and the bounty.

Bountiful Creator, you teach us with this earth

each plant and seed holds great wisdom for us

you hold us in your loving hands and bless us

with all we need to grow our gardens well.

We are impatient and easily give up trying

though you will never give up on us

your sadness comes when we turn away

our childish frustrations break relationship.

Help us to be brave enough to continue to try

using the seeds you give us and tenderly care

make us strong to continue to learn and grow

so your kingdom might flourish among us. Amen.