Lessons From a Seed

God in the GardenSpiritual Truth in CreationLessons from the GardenHomestead LifePlant MedicineRelationshipsEmotionsMind-BodyEncouragementContemplationsHealing JourneyStorytimeNervous System
Written By Rachel G Howard

One of the things I spend a lot of time pondering is the idea of a SEED. Of course I marvel at the actual, physical seed itself- how does something so seemingly insignificant contain within itself all the information, strength and determination necessary to grow an entire adult plant? The sheer wonder of it boggles the mind.

But most of the time I contemplate the CONCEPT of seed- because the idea that something so simple is capable of producing something so complex- is an idea worthy of contemplation.

What, in fact, is a seed, but the perfect encapsulation of future hope, a database of undefiled memory and a model of wholehearted obedience to God's natural law. It never questions its design, its purpose, or its position.

A single seed represents all of time- past, present, and future. In this moment, sitting in my palm, it harbors the genetic imprint of all life before it, and the blueprint of life that will come after.

A seed never doubts itself. It never complains about its circumstance. A sidewalk crack or the side of a cliff is cause for grievance- the little bugger will performs its function with steadfast and resolve, blossoming wherever it was blown.

John 12:24-26 describes how a seed is also a reminder of sacrifice: Very truly I tell you, 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. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life (NIV)

Anyone who spends time in the garden understands this truth- once certain plants flower and produce seed, they often die. The sole purpose of the plant (and ultimately the seed) is to produce offspring. And in doing so, it lays down its life, content that it has completed the mission. No one has ever heard of a plant that refuses to flower in an effort to preserve its own life. There are serious spiritual principles at work in creation- it is our responsibility to take note of them.

There are so many truths we can learn from creation. Another example- a seed understands its clearly defined role. A tomato makes no attempt to become a blueberry any more than a tree tries to shrivel into a violet. It is preposterous to try and be anything other than who God made us to be.

Another lesson: a seed always puts forth its best effort. It never gives up. If it dies, it dies while exerting every effort trying to live.

There is a reason God placed the first man and woman in a garden. Not only are gardens expressions of beauty and provision, they also serve as physical illustrations of spiritual truths. Of course, before the fall, God would walk and talk with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. No doubt, He would have shown them wondrous things in the world, and taught them how to steward his beloved Creation.

But whenAdam and Eve sinned, their intimate communion with God was cut off and He became unknowable. Mankind was left to toil in the earth by the sweat of their brow. Even so, God's character and His laws can be apprehended by working the land. In fact, I would argue that everything we need to know about God we can learn from a garden. That's precisely why God made Eden the cradle of mankind. He knew we would sin. He knew that through sin we would become separated from him. So He foreordained a way we could understand Him, trust Him and therefore willingly submit ourselves to the wisdom of his Divine Law.

So it is that we can look at a mere seed... and see Almighty God. We see His timeless wisdom, His infinite provision, His glorious purpose. We see the significance of unquestioning obedience, self-sacrifice, and enthusiastically embracing the growing process. In the garden we learn the value of rooting ourselves in good soil, watering ourselves with the Word of truth and "running with endurance the race which has been set before us."

The seeds of sin may have been sown in Eden, but the seeds of redemption were sown at Calvary. Jesus promised us that in this world we would have tribulation, but not to despair, because He has overcome the world.

Rachel G Howard

Integrative Health Coach > Wellness Educator > Founder of SOW 🌱 Lynchburg > Homesteader > Photographer > Writer > Herbalist > Essential Oils > AFT Aromatherapist > Homeschool Mama

https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/referral/2809708
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