Be A Shovel

Matthew 13:3-9 – A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds. Some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams. Are you listening to this? Really listening? (MSG)

After a night of heavy rain, I started out on my morning walk. Though busy dodging squirmy earthworms, I spotted a small tree clinging to life on the edge of a culvert. The rain had left its root system totally exposed.

I rushed home (though not so fast as to step on a worm!) and got my hubby out of bed.

"Quick, honey. It's an emergency!"

I can't say that Ron was really pleased to find that a tree was the emergency, but he did get the car and a shovel, and off we went to save the maple.

That sapling looked very scrawny next to the other maples along our driveway, but after a little fresh soil, it got its second wind. Years later, it stands as tall and proud as the others.

Are we listening? Really listening? Is there someone in our life who needs a little fresh soil? They might not look like they are worth saving, but then, once upon a time, neither did we.

Prayer: God, show us who needs Your love today, and help us to be Your willing shovels. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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