Yet It Grows
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of the seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32
Insight
As a mom, I often feel like a broken record. I explain things to our kids repeatedly, hoping that they will put my words into practice. I try to help them navigate arguments and frustrations, and even disappointments. Still, when I’ve given what I feel is the most touching, Academy Award-winning speech ever, I regularly find myself repeating the same thing the next day. I’ve only been in this role for a little over four years, so maybe those who have been at it longer have gotten it figured out, but for me, I sometimes feel like I am swimming in circles.
I say this not because our kids are terrible or because the walls are falling in, but because this is sometimes a reality amid everyday life and getting things done. Life can feel constant and repetitive, whether you have kids or are working through college courses, in the middle of a stressful season at work, or navigating hard conversations with your parents.
Sometimes I feel defeated and wonder why I even try, but then I have a day like last Saturday. A day where I have all 3 of my kiddos, and we have errands to run and several things we need to do. If I’m honest, it’s the kind of day I can sometimes dread. Last Saturday, though, the kids were patient; they were kind, helpful, and excited to be doing the things we were doing. They didn’t argue; they laughed together and played easily with one another. We had lunch an hour and a half later than usual, and they didn’t complain. It was raining on and off all day, but they didn’t seem to mind a bit. Seriously, it was a wonderful day!
Now it would have been so easy to put the kids to bed, turn on the TV, or scroll through social media and completely miss the beautiful moments of the day. Then, when the next day started with someone crying at 6 am, it would have been easy to step back into the frustration of the demands of every day and forget the fruit that came from the day before.
This quick switch doesn’t just happen with kids. When you have a healthy conversation with your boss, do you mark that moment and remember how far you have come or do you move on and only remember the frustrating moments? When your spouse leaves dishes in the sink, are you quick to forget the other things they have done throughout the day and, instead, brew on the frustration that they left their dishes yet again? When you look at your walk with God, do you see all the places you have fallen short or unanswered prayers, or do you remember the beautiful ways God has shown up again and again in the little moments?
The parable that Jesus shares today says God's Kingdom is like a mustard seed; it is so tiny and insignificant, yet it grows and becomes the largest of all the plants when planted. We must tune our hearts to see those little seeds that God is planting all around us every day, or we will miss the work He is doing. God designed us to bear the image of His Kingdom to the world around us; we need to look for the mustard seeds that are available all around us and allow their roots to take hold in our hearts.
Reflection
Where do you need to celebrate that mustard seed of growth and faith present in your life?
Prayer
God, thank you for showing up in the little and the big moments. I pray for eyes to see how You are working and for obedience to remember those moments. Even though the days may feel full and busy and demanding at times, I pray I would take the time to slow down and see where You are leading me. God, I pray that You would use me to further Your Kingdom in whatever way You see fit. Amen.
Katie Robinson, Children's Ministry Home Coordinator, wrote today's devotional.