Cultivating the Soul: How Gardening Soil Mirrors Spiritual Growth

Before we can even introduce any seeds or plants to a garden, you must first set the foundation of the soil. You would think that would be the easiest part, and sometimes it is, but in my experience, that's not always the case.

Good Ground

In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13: 1-9), Jesus is telling a large group of people what happens when seed encounters the different types of ground or earth. Even though it is given as a parable, he later explains what it all means.

The first of many times I have read this parable, heard it taught or preached in various places, I have never thought any thing other than, "Lord let your word find good ground in me."

But, recently I began to question this parable.

I was in the garden lamenting the very sandy soil that is native to the property, Because of this, I can only expand my garden by building more raised beds, which is costly and somewhat labor intensive.

Just like that, I became frustrated, and began to question how fair is it to blame the person, when they had no choice of the ground within them.

If the seed being the word of GOD, fell onto rocky ground or by the wayside to be eaten by a bird, is that a choice?

The parable would make it seem as if it were a choice. What can you do, if you hear the word, but can't really understand it because you have never heard it before or never knew how to apply it to you daily life. How could you stop the inevitable loss of that very same word? What if you never believed before, how could you gain understanding?

As I was walking away from the garden that day, I heard "I am the Ground."

Huh? Father, that does not make sense. How are you the rocky ground or the

thorns?

Every single type of soil or ground is capable of producing.

The process for each, however is different, and requires sacrifice and work.

At the beginning, all land was fertile and capable of vegetation. The plants from region to region were different but fertile nonetheless. Over time, pollution, deforestiation, destruction of habitats and so on, have caused some of these places to be barren. They have become rocky, thorny and way too many waysides.

Likewise, spiritually, overtime, our experiences have caused us to develop rocky, thorny places within us. There are too many distractions snatching away what we have heard. We have become so focused on working to make sure we eat and have a place to live, that worry, just as the bible says, becomes a thorn and chokes it away.

But what is done can be undone!

If we were to break up concrete into tiny rocks and turn over the soil, that area would then be capable of sustaining life.

If you are truly interested in growing your faith, you have to address your foundation. I know churces tell you to pray and read you word. That is great information but it is not truly enough. We have to break up the bad ground or add things to our daily routines, so that we are ready to receive the word.

In gardening, there are many additives to alter or improve the soil.

We have to amend our hearts and mind with every tool we have available.

Start with gratitude.

Look around for all the things you are grateful for, nothing should be taken for granted. Focusing on whatever is good in your life softens the ground to receive.

Serve until you are filled.

Acts of service are a great way to make sure you are not only ready to receive the word of God, but hungry for it as well. As you approach your holiday season, think of ways you could help someone, no matter how small.

Service places our hearts in the right position and posture.

Gratitude and service will also expose deep rooted issues and distractions that will have to be removed, much like an old glass bottle in the garden

However, it is important to note that some seeds need different types of soil to develop.

When planning a garden, before you place a plant or seed, you have to take into account what the plant actually requires to thrive. There are plants that prefer and/or require more sandy soil, or more water than others.

In my case, I have learned to plant what will thrive in my native soil and build beds for everything else. But what is native, may be the thing you needed all along.

We must be diligent in establishing the best foundation for us to spiritually thrive.

In all cases, you must refer to the Creator for the perfect mix.