Tomato Seeds and Mustard Seeds
Almost-nine-months-pregnant Mary Evelyn has been picking and picking her family’s bumper crop of cherry tomatoes. A recent picking was so big she decided she shouldn’t try to carry them all at one time. She’s grateful, happy, and tired.
Ray and I decided the other day that an equal amount of time picking tomatoes might be just as good exercise as our morning walk, so we took a turn. I was struck by how huge a tomato vine is compared to the tiny tomato seed from which it grew. Even people (like me) who don’t grow vegetable gardens realize how tiny tomato seeds are, since we see them when we eat fresh tomatoes.
I like this line from one of my favorite songs: “When I see the little lily pushing up the heavy sod, I marvel at the wisdom of my God.” When I think of the tiny seed and the great long vine; the bright red tomatoes, ripening orange ones, and green ones filled with the promise of future ripening; and the healthy nutrients created to give our bodies exactly what they need, I marvel, too.
Jesus talked about seeds in Luke 13:18-20, when He told the parable of the mustard seed. He said that though the mustard seed is the smallest of garden seeds, it grows into a tree which is the largest of garden plants. Even birds nest in its branches.
You are a seed planter. On some days, try as you might, you can only plant a tiny seed into the heart, soul, or mind of your child. Don’t worry. You are just the planter. God makes it grow. He’s good at that. Just keep planting.
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with joyful shouting.
He who goes to and fro weeping,
carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6, NASB