These things you don’t forget…

“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

Greek Proverb

The above quote has been among my favorites for a long while. I believe this because I have been blessed to have had multiple men and women who have prayed, encouraged, invested their time in my life.

On our back porch last month we had a small glimpse of seeds being “planted” that were not intentionally planted, yet they fell on good soil and bloomed. Let me give you a little background on our soil. Before we plant anything in our back porch area, we have to dig a big hole (ground is basically solid clay), fill it with good rich soil, and then whatever we want to plant can be planted. And every so often we have to add more good soil around the base for the plant to keep thriving. So we have a mixture of plants in the ground and plants in pots. We also love watching the birds! Moving from the woods with lots of animals to a neighborhood with hardly any wildlife is a culture shock! So we have a total of four bird feeders, which we load up with really good bird feed. Yes, I am 35 years old and I am an avid birdwatcher. No shame! Anyways, my dad bought this blue potted plant this past spring, with flowers (and flag) already arranged in it, and placed it in the “natural area” under one of the bird feeders. It never occurred to any of us that sunflower seeds were apart of the bird feed mix, because the soil on the ground never made anything of the seeds that landed on it. But a month or so ago we noticed this huge thick stalk growing in the blue pot. We all took guesses- beanstalk, bamboo, etc 😂 And then it grew to be taller than our fence! And one day I looked out and there were two huge blooms, a sunflower!!! But at the time we were confused, how did we have sunflowers? Ah ha! Good soil!

Sunday will be a day that we celebrate GRANDparents! I also include GRANDfriends in this- because they show up and are important too! For me, my grandparents planted many seeds that I am sad they are not here to see, but I am thankful that I am able to pass on.

The wonderful thing about grandparents, family, friends, mentors, leaders, that make an effort to invest in others, is that it doesn’t take a lot to plant the seed, to cultivate some good soil. In other words, find the way into the heart and nourish the soul.

My Paw-Paw and Grandma, they always put the Rasinets on the top shelf in their kitchen. They knew good and well I knew that, and that the moment they “turned their head” I was going to climb on the cabinets and get them and eat every single one! Knew me, got into my heart-laughed and nourished my soul.

My Nannie and Al-Paw, they always had Hi-C orange juice boxes in the Kelvinator (aka refrigerator) and Hershey’s kisses in a bowl in the kitchen. Knew me, got into my heart – sweetened my soul.

When I was little and both my brother and I were in and out of doctors offices, I remember getting mail. Just to have my name on some mail, pure excitement. Sometimes the mail would come with a few dollars for ice cream. A family friend who knew what my parents were facing and the need for “something to be easy,” did this simple but extraordinary gesture. These things you don’t forget.

These life investors don’t stop investing when you “grow up” or turn 18. When my sweet Lucy was scooped up by Jesus, a couple who I have loved and learned from for years called because he had written a poem about Lucy and our family. These words hang on our wall. This is planting and nourishing.

I could give examples for days, but I want you to think about the people that have come into your life – known and unknown – that have planted seeds or even a seed. I encourage you to take it a step further- grab a journal – just start writing down names – beside their names, write what they brought into your life, lessons, their role in your life, etc.

God is faithful! I started a journal, like I describe above. Friends- younger and older, Family- even family you never met! I know my great grandparents prayed for future generations- include them!, Sunday School Teachers, Leaders… Be encouraged. May this motivate you to pass it on. Too really long to know the heart and soul of others.

And to all the GRANDparents and GRANDfriends out there, CELEBRATE and RELAX this Sunday! 💕 And to all who are celebrating them, really let them know how much they matter and how much you really appreciate what they do for you! 💕

Life Book of the Week: Hymns for a Kid’s Heart (Multiple Volumes), by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada

One HUGE lesson I have learned from many of the older generation, we NEED Hymns! I 100% agree! If you need some suggestions, well, I have some for ya 😉

• Getty’s Kids Hymnal- there are four albums in all – Keith and Kristyn Getty
• Keith and Kristyn Getty – all theirs are great
• Chris Rice – Peace Like a River
• Fanny Crosby: Newly Discovered Hymns & Songs – Various Artists
• Gospels, Spirituals, and Hymns- Mahalia Jackson
• Hymns – Loretta Lynn
• Hymns – Joey & Rory
• Hymns and Hallelujahs – Kelly Minter
• “Just as I Am” and other Favorites of Billy Graham – Wintley Phipps (all his are great!)

I hope this is diverse enough to start 😊 If you have others I always love new suggestions!