You
gather a handful of seed, God’s seed, and scatter it wide.
You
purposely plant; you carefully cultivate.
Some
seed falls among rocks,
Some
amidst thorny patches
Or
on the hardened roadside.
But,
by faith, you dip into God’s seed basket again and again.
Often
the seed lands on good ground—with promise of harvest.
In
time, misty shoots and sun-drenched leaves of faith
Begin
their journey upward.
Tightly
closed buds burst
Into
fragrant bright blossoms
And
the ripening fruit of the Spirit.
Carries
your handfuls far beyond this field,
Past
the ground you see
To
soils beyond your human reach.
With
gratefulness,
I tend the garden
You planted in my heart.
*Based on the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13
 |
| Mom with her girls, Barb and Sarah, Easter 2013 |
I'm sorry for your loss, but thankful for her legacy. I'll be praying for you today.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda, for your prayers. I miss my mom already, but she is with the Lord without pain.
DeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I heard of your mother's passing. I'm grateful for the time you were able to spend with her these last months of her life. Thank you for the beautiful poem - an inspiration, once again. My prayers are with you and your family. Love you.
Thank you, Deb. It's been 21 months since Mom was diagnosed with cancer - about the same time our grandson was born. I am grateful for the time I've had with both my parents during this season...truly difficult as the months passed by, yet laced with grace. I appreciate your support...
DeleteSuch a beautiful poem and a beautiful tribute to your Mom. Praying for you, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Sarah
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this Sarah. I was going to talk to you after the memorial service and ask if I could have a copy for a devotional I am giving to the mom's of our homeschool group. I found your blog a few days after I heard of Aunt Lillian's homegoing so I though just maybe you had posted it.
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to see your family after so many years. While the circumstances that brought us together were not the most pleasant, I'm so glad we can rejoice together in knowing we shall be reunited one day in heaven.
Missy
Thanks, Missy, for your post. It was wonderful to see you and your family. Thank you for coming. I found it very encouraging to have so many family members gather. I'll always remember us all singing the first and last verses of "Amazing Grace" under the blue sky at the cemetery.
DeleteI hope your children will enjoy the new school year. And please let us know when your baby arrives!
I trust the poem will be a blessing to your HS group - And thanks again.
The highest compliment to be paid a mother . . . that you will tend the garden she has planted in your heart. Oh, that we will do it.
ReplyDeleteDad, my sister, and I went to the cemetery today and talked about the legacy Mom left and how we, too, want to finish strong. "Oh, that we will do it." I found a card in her Bible the day before she passed away with Psalm 73:23, 24 written out in her familiar handwriting. "Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory."
DeleteBlessings to you, Jo Ann.
In light of just learning of your Aunt Dorothy's passing, I also learned that your mom passed away a year ago. I am so sorry that I did not know sooner. However, if you are still able to read these comments, I hope you will accept my delayed condolences.
ReplyDeleteYour mom was my Senior high Sunday School teacher at Millgrove Bible Church. She was such a wonderful lady, and we all loved her. Fast forward to the 1990s when I was experiencing some marital difficulties. I was going to be in Alden, NY, with my mom during an extended dental procedure. I contacted your mom and asked if I could meet with her. She graciously did and offered her counsel. Although my marriage did eventually end in divorce, I was gratified by your mom's availability in trying to help me work through my situation.
Having known both your mom and your dad as well as you and Barb when you were little girls, your family has always been such a wonderful example of the Christian life. Seeing what a prolific writer and speaker you have become is obviously a direct extension of the training you received from your parents. May God continue to use you as a Godly woman following in the steps of another Godly woman.
It was wonderful to hear from you, Martha - and yes, I remember you and your family. I never knew Mom taught the senior high class at Millgrove. And I'm glad you and she connected later. She leaves a legacy of faithfulness. I like to think she is part of the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12. Today marks the one year anniversary of her home-going. Dad and I went to the cemetery and talked about God's grace to us this past year.
DeleteI am so glad you contacted me. Thank you. Your encouragement means so much. I pray the Lord will continue to give you His strength day by day. Blessings to you and your family. Isaiah 41:10
Thinking of you as you are at the one year anniversary of your Mom's home going. I read your poem with a 'fresh' perspective. God is teaching me much about my role and other's role as I throw out the seed in obedience. So glad your Mother obeyed Him and your life was enriched because of it. Love you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie, for your thoughts and prayers. Blessings as you "throw out the seed in obedience" and seek to find His will. Praying for you.
Delete