Growing HopeSample

There’s no way to talk about hope through the lens of gardening without exploring the Parable of the Sower.

I have always loved this parable, maybe because of its empathetic perspective on the different kinds of soil we are each born into. There is comfort in knowing that God sees the hand we’ve been dealt and wants to bring us to good soil where we can anchor and thrive.

It begins with Jesus going outside to sit beside the sea. As the crowd gathered, He got into a boat and began to teach.

I’ve walked along the shore in Israel where they believe Jesus shared these parables. The dry climate, the vast sky reflected in the water—I could almost hear the echo of His words.

The sower went out to sow. Some seeds fell along the path, easily plucked up by birds. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they sprang up quickly but withered without deep roots. Still others fell among thorns. But some fell on good soil—and yielded a rich harvest.

It’s not lost on me—and probably not on you either—that two-thirds of the seed fell on ground destined to fail.

If you identify with the first two-thirds, you might wonder how to find that good soil. Sometimes it means asking for help from a friend or from your Christian community.

Half the battle is recognizing what kind of soil we’re trying to plant in.

How do we recognize good soil? Look for the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, hope, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I want to be around people who bear good fruit. Have you ever left someone’s company feeling drained? It could be a sign they are struggling in the wrong soil. I look for those who live mostly drama-free lives and who serve as spiritual examples. Their lives blossom beautifully.

We cannot change the soil we were born into, but we can nurture better soil for our growth.

Reflect

• Do you know someone whose life reflects the fruit of the Spirit?
• What good fruit do you see in their life?
• How would your life look different if you were growing in good soil?