The Little Things: Seeds With Wings

SCRIPTURE:  Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24

THOUGHT: Seeds with wings are captivating. Graceful twirls and swirls take them toward their destination, often floating on a delicious autumn breeze. It’s God’s way to make all things beautiful in time, and he has outdone himself with these seeds. Not only are they lovely, often with silky tassels aiding in their flight, their seemingly random journey is filled with purpose. Whether dandelion, cattail, maple, or milkweed, these amazing seeds travel by air seeking a hospitable spot to plant themselves. Watching them fly is one of life’s little joys, making my appreciation for God’s incredible creativity and attention to detail grow – and offering one more reason to worship.

Despite their diversity, seeds all have one thing in common: they are destined to be hidden in the earth, and there die in order to live again and bear fruit.

We are the same. Diverse skin colors, ethnicity, talents, sizes, ages, and circumstances – but through journeys that often seem random, God seeks to plant us in all kinds of places where those seeds can die, sometimes metaphorically, sometimes literally (as Jesus spoke of giving up his own life), then live again, grow, and bear much fruit.

I’m pretty sure that you, like me, enjoy the journey of flight more than the journey of being hidden and dying so your life can be fruitful, but it is the way of God, and no one knew that better than Jesus. Next time you see a seed with wings floating through the air, remember his beautiful life and willing death. He had a very fruitful ministry, but considered the joy and fruitfulness ahead of him to be even greater.

PRAYER: Oh God, whatever seeds you’ve given me, help me not to clutch them to keep them from falling into the ground, and therefore keep them from the fruitfulness you have planned.