When Kindness Takes Root

The Unseen Power of Words, Actions, and Love

My wife’s birthday was this past Saturday.

But before I talk about her, I want to share a short parable.

Jesus told a parable, or a wise story, about a farmer sowing seeds that fell on different types of ground—some on a path eaten by birds, some on rocky soil that withered, some on shallow soil scorched by the sun, and some on fertile soil that grew abundantly. I had always heard this as a call to be like fertile soil, ready to receive the seed and let it grow. But then I saw something I had completely missed that blew my mind. There is one more perspective we may have overlooked—the farmer. We, like the farmer, sow seeds every day with our words and interactions. We freely scatter them without worrying where they land or how they grow. Our joy is to sow generously in hopes they take root and grow.

My wife is very much like the farmer. For a couple of decades, she has sown seeds joyfully through serving others—without fanfare or recognition. She quietly makes or delivers meals to people in need. She checks in on neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends who are struggling. And she always goes the extra mile with her thoughtfulness to make people feel special and loved.

After last week’s post When Kindness Finds You, I received a note from one of our friends about Jenny. Here’s what she shared:

Many years ago your wife stopped by the hospital where I worked with a meal. I was just starting my journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis and in pain 24/7. She wanted to take a small burden away with a meal I didn’t have to make. Today I am working at our church as an outreach coordinator and feeding the homeless every Tuesday with amazing people from our church. And I believe Jenny started this passion inside of me to help others who just need a little help by providing a meal…as simple as that may be!

I write this partly to celebrate my wife and honor the way she models selfless service to others. But I also write it to encourage you. Every word, every small gesture, every kind act is a seed. You never know when it might land at just the right time in someone’s life—and eventually produce fruit of its own.

Question

What seeds am I sowing each day through my words and actions?

Peace,

Brandon

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