Notes from this Episode:

Background

• Frequently, we get caught in our days and we lose the big picture.
• For so many of us, this is what creates overwhelm, stress, and maybe some discouragement.
• This week, I want to discuss planting seeds, and specifically from two readings from the Gospel and how these can relate to our lives.

From the New Testament

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 and John 12:24
  • Both of these readings are about planting seeds and about what is expected of us and how we can affect the outcome of the seeds that we plant.
• We are called to be generous in planting the seeds in those around us – our children, husband, and friends, as well as ourselves.
• We must not be stingy and remember that we plant or give to those around us with a generous heart, not counting the cost or keeping a tally, and not giving reluctantly.
• When we give generously and plant the seeds generously, with a kind and loving heart, we will experience the joy of God’s grace and see that our small giving and planting produces a surplus of good in our lives.

Planting Our Seeds – Dying to Oneself

• How do we plant generously, abundantly and cheerfully?  We do it by dying to ourselves.
  • When we give to others with resentment or complaint or maybe even bitterness, we lose the whole effect of giving.
• Every good thing in the world requires some sort of sacrifice, some kind of death to one thing to create another.
  • Do you see your sacrifice of your wants and desires as being positive?

Planting Seeds – Attached Feelings

• We are a society that wants immediate results, and when we do not experience the immediate results, we are uncomfortable and unhappy.
• When we are unhappy, we usually give in to two different feelings: discouragement and sadness.
  • We are discouraged when we do not see the progress or fruit of our planting.
  • We can also experience sadness – sadness with ourselves, in dealing with our challenges, and in our mindset or lack of virtues.
• If we do not nurture the seed of living from a place of thought, rather than emotions, we will continue to feel sad, overwhelmed, anxious, and stuck.
  • We need to be more conscious of our thoughts, rather than getting stuck and becoming the victim of our emotions.

Planting Seeds – Slow but Progressive Growth

• Remember, we are not always going to see growth, but if we water and tend to the seeds, they will be growing.

Where to Plant Seeds

• Your marriage
  • We plant seeds of connection and love when we give each other the benefit of the doubt, when we are quick to apologize, and when we are thoughtful about our spouse’s needs over our own.
  • We plant when we work towards clear communication, rather than just arguing, when we seek to resolve issues rather than digging our heels, and when we pray for our spouse daily.
  • Every time you do any of those things, you are tending to the seed, dying to yourself, and nurturing the things that you want most – a beautiful, strong marriage.
• Your Children
  • Each time you correct or train your children, or educate them in virtue and behaviors, you are planting seeds.
  • Do not forget, it will take a lot of tending and nurturing.
  • Pray for your children daily, live your faith faithfully with joy and peace. 
• Yourself
  • What seeds are you planting in your own personal life?  What about your prayer life?
  • The constant tending to growth is how you have the grace to respond with faith, hope, and love in all the contradictions in your life.
  • Do you take care of yourself?  Body, mind, and spirit?

Final Thoughts

• Be in relationship with God, nurture the seeds that He has planted in you, and be that wife, friend, and mother that you long to be.
• And don’t forget, it is in the dying to ourselves that we will bear much fruit.