SEEDS

These days I feel as if I'm planting seeds waiting to see when they will blossom. Other days I've reaped the bounty from the seeds I've planted, especially as I look at my children. I've also seen it in smaller interactions. The thing is when you plant seeds, they're so small you sometimes forget that you've planted them. And then you see a lonely neighbor who always pauses to speak with you because she enjoys your company. You've sown into her. Or you receive an email that magnifies your contributions to the team, although, to you, there were minuscule. Again you're using what God gave you to honor Him. SEEDS.

 

Seeds are the foundation for growth. Seeds are so tiny, minuscule, yet if there are taken care of, they yield an unexpected harvest. Many large trees start from small seeds. I sometimes plant seeds and totally forget about them. Then I am pleasantly surprised when I see a blossom. That blossom reminds me of the work I put in when I planted the seed. My brain works backward, reminding me of all I've done to see this flower. And then I smile. The growth of seeds is rewarding.

Have you ever thought about the seeds you sow? I came across this acronym in a popular wellness magazine and immediately saw the spiritual correlation. SEEDS is an acronym that encourages one to create positive lifestyle habits; we can do the same spiritually.

S – Sleep; sleep allows us to refresh and rejuvenate. It’s vital to our well-being.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. Proverbs 3:24

E – Exercise; allows us to maintain our bodies. It is any activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.

Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19,20

E – Eating; eating allows us to fuel our bodies; while food is fuel, all food does not fuel our body efficiently.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

D - Dehydration Avoidance; water is a building block for our bodies. When we are dehydrated, we are running on empty – not a sustainable state.

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again. John 6:35

S - Stress Management; how we respond to situations impacts our physical wellbeing. We need a mechanism to ensure we respond appropriately.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on Him because He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6,7

There are many other verses besides what I've listed here that encourage us to take care of ourselves, focusing on SEEDS for growth. I'd encourage you to find some of these verses. 

Have you thought about the SEEDS you are sowing? Though tiny, they can reap huge dividends for you and those around you.

Prayer - Dear Lord, as we live to serve, may our hands be outstretched, sharing the SEEDS you have given us and reaping the benefits of those seeds through our lives and those we touch. Amen. 

 

Nylse is a Christian wife and a mother of four who loves life and inspiring others. She likes to have fun but is very clear on who she is and Whose she is. A prolific thinker, she blogs to encourage others from a Christian perspective at www.lifenotesencouragement.com. She can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.