SOWING SEEDS OF HOPE
In life, there are truly some of the most difficult, exciting, daunting, confusing, exploratory and developmental times — times of multiple questions and emotions. As a foundation, and as individuals, we face most of these moments and will always want to be energised. For example; at BLCDF we design programs like the annual events gala done each year for students, parents and teachers to shower each other with celebration, gratitude and love. It involves thanking God, and asking Him for further guidance ahead of the years.
Inspired by the message of the Parable of the Sower, this season’s reflection has been on identifying and using opportunities to recognize the power of intentionality, connection and growth when considering: What does it mean to have a positive impact? More importantly, it prompts us to consider how individuals can prepare their hearts and minds to establish flourishing roots of generosity, gratitude and hope for a fruitful future of impact. This parable reminds us that the seeds of impact that one sows have the potential to grow into something extraordinary, depending on where one plants them and how one nurtures them. Similarly, as the sower casts seeds onto different types of soil, one is able to determine how one will receive, or not receive, the impact of others. One’s soil, or response, determines one’s ability to lead a fruitful life of impact. Reflecting on the story within the book of Mark, the concept of positive impact can be applied to Jesus’ insightful and wise parable:
The Seed on the Road: This seed symbolizes the missed opportunities when one fails to acknowledge the positive influence around them. During the busy moments of life, it can be easy to focus internally. Individuals become distracted and blinded from seeing the positive impact of others whom they encounter daily. It’s a reminder to be present, aware and open to intentionally recognizing the impact individuals have on one another.
The Seed Choked by Thorns: In a world often driven by fear, judgment and conformity, it’s easy to let the fear of being vulnerable or different hold one back from truly embracing and acting on the positive influence one receives. This seed represents how societal pressures can limit one’s growth if one allows them to suffocate the potential of positive change.
The Seed in Good Soil: The final seed symbolizes how individuals can live lives of impact when they prepare their soil with humility, openness, gratitude and love in order to receive the kindness of others. Just as good soil allows a seed to grow and bear fruit, an open mind and heart allow us to take in lessons, grow from them, and pay it forward.
Not only does one grow individually in one’s character by establishing resilient roots, but one’s growth results in a fruitful tree that sows new saplings of impact in the hearts of others. This is the place where one, as an individual and as a collective community, cultivates hope and impact.
When we focus on positively impacting one another, we are not only celebrated for the seeds planted within our hearts, but also honoured for our abilities to recognize, reflect, and show gratitude and act on the seed itself. It showcases the beauty that comes from sown seeds — a fruitful, impactful harvest of hope.
We should never give up, but keep planting better seeds in our children and communities in general.
For His Love Compels Us
Thank you!
Wamala Steven