When Chris and I got married, we planted a tiny little garden alongside of our garage. Our yard was about the size of a four-square court. It was tiny, but in that space we grew zucchini, beans, tomatoes, and corn (which we’ve never had any luck with). Anyways, in part of that tiny little garden, I started the world’s smallest strawberry patch with just two plants.
During one of my first visits to my now favorite greenhouse, I met an older gentleman, who somewhat forced my hand into strawberries. He assured me, “You’ll be fine, and you’ll love them! It’s not hard to keep these alive,” he encouraged as he patted my back. Despite my reluctance, he was right. The next year when I saw him (and bought more of course) he told me about runners. Runners are part of a strawberry plant that shoot out. They, too, can be planted and from one plant more plants grow. Even though the plant goes dormant during colder months, it comes back in the spring as a perennial. I know I’m nerding out about strawberry plants, but I can’t say enough good things about them.
They’re a great analogy to our faith. We all start out knowing very little about God. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we have the opportunity to produce fruit. Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me" (John 15:5). As we continue to grow with God, we sprout these little runners (or shoots) and we have the ability to plant them by sharing our faith with the people in our lives.
With a well-cared for strawberry patch, more berries grow each year. In the same, the more we nurture our faith and share it with others, the more harvest God can and will reap.
I guess my thought here today, friends, is who in your life or circle can you share with today? And in the same, who in your life can you learn from to help you grow and flourish? If it wasn’t for the extra push from a stranger in a small greenhouse, I would have never become so fond of strawberry plants. In my faith walk, mentors, friends, and even strangers have pushed me along by planting and investing what they know. It is my hope that we can all find someone to share with and learn from this week. Have a great week, friends!
Comments