When I was a boy growing up we
had several gardens around our old house. The largest one of all was used just
for growing potatoes. I can still remember those potato planting days. The whole
family helped. After my Dad had tilled the soil, my Mom, brothers, and I went to
work. It was my job to drop the little seed potatoes in the rows while my Mom
dropped handfuls of fertilizer beside them. My brothers then covered them all
with the freshly turned earth.
For months afterward I would glance over at the garden
while I played outside and wonder what was going on underneath the ground. When
the harvest time came I was amazed at the huge size of the potatoes my Dad
pulled out of the soil. Those little seedlings had grown into bushels and
bushels of sweet sustenance. They would be turned into meal after meal of baked
potatoes, mashed potatoes, fried potatoes, and my personal favorite: potatoes
slowed cooked in spaghetti sauce. They would keep the entire family well fed
throughout the whole year. It truly was a miracle to behold.
Thinking back on those special times makes me wonder
how many other seeds I have planted in this life that have grown unseen in the
hearts and minds of others. How many times has God used some little thing that I
said or did to grow something beautiful? How many times has Heaven used these
little seedlings to provide another’s soul with sweet sustenance?
Every single day of our lives we step out into the
garden of this world. Every single day we plant seeds that can grow into
something wonderful. We may never see the growth that comes from the kind words
or loving acts we share but God does. I hope then that you always tend the
garden around you with care. I hope that you plant only goodness, peace, and
compassion in the lives of everyone you meet. I hope that everyday you help
miracles to grow.
Joseph J. Mazzella joemazzella@frontier.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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