Graves into Gardens | Part III — Kylee Ann Smith

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.

So I’ve found HOPE in each new day by looking to the sunrise (Read Graves into Gardens Part I here). I found JOY in the morning (Read Graves into Gardens Part II here) and now it’s time to share the HOPE & JOY I’ve found in Jesus with others. It’s time to PLANT your seed and show other’s to believe in tomorrow too. As my short blog series Graves into Gardens comes to an end I want to remind you that above all it is important that we plant seeds of faith in our lives and others.

Water your own garden.

So in order to better understand how to plant seeds in our lives and others let’s dive straight into the Gospels, the place where we find hope in heaven and hope for tomorrow. In Matthew 13:1 - 23 the parable of the sower is told. Verses 20-23 states, “The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the words and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.”

In summary this parable is about growth. The man represents God and the seed is His message. We are the ones who determine what kind of soil our hearts will be. When we have a receptive heart to God with roots deep then when the planted seed starts to grow, the word of God will deepen and grow within us too. This is a reminder that we must always have an open heart to God, His word and His promises for our lives.

Help plant your neighbors garden.

Now that your heart is open and the seed has been planted in good soil, it’s time to help others. Why do we help others? Matthew 10:8 says, “freely you have received; freely give.” Since we have received all the promises God has for our lives, we must remember to give freely to others as well.

Are you willing to work for the Harvest?

In Matthew 9:37 Jesus says to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” We are the workers in the harvest field. God has prepared an incredible harvest. We are called to use our God give talents and gifts that were specifically given to us to help share the good news of Jesus to other people. We are called to be workers for His kingdom and reap the bountiful harvest that God has prepared for us.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,

…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” As we are reminded in Matthew 28:19, it is our greatest duty and the GREAT Commission to continue to share the gospel message to others. So it’s the Easter story; the story where light overcomes darkness, death is defeated and the impossible is made possible. The promise Easter brings that Grandma & Nana are dancing with Jesus is why I can find peace and strength and joy on this side of heaven.

Now go Live Life in FULL Bloom.

So as my mini blog series, Graves into Gardens comes to an end, I may still be grieving, but it is through God’s strength that I’ll continue to live my life in full bloom & planting seeds along the way, just the way Jesus, Grandma & Nana did. Because let’s be honest, graves don’t exist in heaven, just a beautiful blooming garden!