Planting Seeds…

“O dormant seed within me, I believe in your potential. I will open the soil of my heart for you. I will warm you with my patience and trust. I will water you with droplets of faith, hope, and love.” ― Joyce Rupp & Macrina Wiederkehr

While spring is still bringing unexpected snow in the north, many of us here in Austin are already anticipating summer’s heat. And gardeners everywhere are preparing the ground, planting seeds, and taking advantage of spring’s energy to welcome new growth.

I love the idea of planting seeds within and watering them with faith, hope, and love. Perhaps like bulbs planted in the fall, something within you has been lying dormant and is now ready to grow with your loving attention. Or, like a gardener, you are ready to consciously plant new seeds in order to welcome a new experience or way of being into your life.

In their book, The Circle of Life, Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr offer a blessing of hope, acknowledging how important this often derided feeling is to spurring growth of our planted seeds:

May you never lose confidence in your ability to grow. May your hope stream outward to the world, dancing in the far realms like a feather floating in an April breeze, bringing joy to all who need it.”

As we plant seeds within for our own growth, I invite you to plant seeds or find a young plant to care for now. As you water and nourish your plant, how lovely it would be if you imagined hope growing, blooming, and transforming even the most hardened hearts in war-torn homes, neighborhoods, and nations around the world.

May you be watered within and without with faith, hope, and love this spring. And may seeds planted grow and flourish in your tender care.

Bloom Like a Flower