Planting Seeds...

Today's post is a reflection on Parker Palmer's book, "Let Your Life Speak". It is a wonderful book that follows Mr. Palmer's journey to discover his vocation. In Chapter 6 he states, “...In my own experience of autumn, I am rarely aware that seeds are being planted”.... I was struck once again by the truth behind those words. Fall is not only about harvesting, but about sowing seeds which will sleep during winter and then burst into growth in the spring.

In this time of beginnings (school, fall programs, church activities, etc) it is hard sometimes to focus on the fact that seeds are being planted. Often, we are unaware what seeds are being sown, and more often than not, we don't see the fruition of these seeds. In many cases, in my experience, I often forget the seeds in the years it takes for them to sprout. Equally, though I may plant seeds, others may actually recognize the growth and nuture the young seedlings to maturity.

What seeds are being planted in your life? As you look at your life, your search for meaning, your vocation or lack thereof, what strikes you? Additionally, what seeds are germinating in you right now? Things that might have lain fallow for many years that are now attempting to grow? Who will help you nuture those fragile ideas or initatives?

I'm in the first year of running a new enterprise, a public charity. It is a brave new world for me, filled with opportunities and land mines, with joys and sorrows, with peace and frustration. I'm finding consolation in the process however, and "know" that this is my vocation for now - it feels right. The seeds of this initiative were slowly germinating over a span of 10 years while I tried in many ways to ignore them. ;-) Finally I listened to that voice (the Latin root for voice and vocation are related) and followed the call.

May the seeds germinating in your life bear fruit! May you also plant seeds in others that will grow into health, wellness and wholeness.

Peace,
Dan