Aunt Dotty
Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32
Insight
Very few people had more of an impact on my childhood than my Great Aunt Dotty. Her kind and compassionate heart were second to none. As soon I'd get off the school bus, I'd head to the living room where Dotty was inevitably sitting in her recliner watching Days of Our Lives. She'd smile and inquire about my day, give me advice, and encourage me when I was down.
Her generosity extended beyond her time. Dotty would never return from vacation or trips to the store empty-handed. She'd buy my brother and me little odds and ends: a pack of baseball cards, a yo-yo, coloring book, or Matchbox cars. One time she gave us those Magic Grow expandable water toys.
For those youngsters unaware of these toys, they would come in tiny capsules that you'd place in water. Then you would wait and wait and wait. Slowly over time, the capsule dissolved, and these small sponges would grow, stretch, and expand before your eyes, becoming things like giant sea animals or dinosaurs.
An encounter with water allowed my toy to grow. An encounter with Christ causes our hearts to expand. Today's parable is a reminder of this reality.
Time and time again, Scripture speaks of Christ moving through humble acts of obedience and small steps of faith.
God doesn’t need us to do big things for Him. Trying to do significant things will keep us from seeing the significance of the things we do every day. God invites us to walk in obedience in the ordinary and mundane moments.
His Kingdom advances through a thousand little things. Our work is what we do with our lives. One tiny action expands and captivates all the stuff around it. Impact takes place over time.
Consistent effort, generosity, and humility over time matters and speaks volumes. There are opportunities all around us to be the church; many aren't these grand sweeping moments, but everyday occasions to love and serve others.
Put yourself in an environment to be used today.
Reflection
· How can you display mustard seed faith today?
· Where do you need to see the significance in the places where you are planted?
Prayer
God, give me eyes to see the needs around me. Let me show up in those small opportunities that often go unnoticed. Let me do my part by humbly serving and loving others. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
