Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil.
It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,
and when the sun rose it was scorched,
and it withered for lack of roots.
Matthew 13:5-6
This parable of the seeds which fell on the different types of ground is very easy for me to relate to because I enjoy planting. To relate, the seed fell on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns and on rich soil, consequently the seeds grew diffently in their different environs. It is a wonderful parable to use to visualize how we cultivate our spiritual lives. I have a potted lavendar plant that I placed in a strawberry plant jar. It looked beautiful and of course smelled wonderful! Until one day, I noticed it was completely dry and coarse, and the aroma had disappeared. I couldn't immediately see the reason. I pulled the plant out of the strawberry jar, and the pot for the plant had fallen to the bottom of the jar leaving the roots and what soil still clinged to it simply hanging. Mystery solved! Poor plant! I have yet been able to revive it.
This Sunday, as we read this parable in Matthew 13, let's also look at the explanation Jesus provides. Let's pray that our spiritual lives remain "in rich soil", but also "in their pots". I am thinking of the building we worship in, or the place we call home, or our setting where we are spiritually molded, protected, and nurtured. Let us pray that our instituions remain secure and strong so that we do not become separated and possibly spiritually "dried up" like that poor lavendar plant.
Who knows, maybe it will flower again, I have not given up on it and I have secured it in soil in its jar this time.
