October 23, 2022

We had two of our grandsons over yesterday and took them to a fall festival. Our friend has a band, and we went to hear him. The boys had a blast. They got to run and dance and be free. It was more fun watching them than it was the band. After we got back home, I began preparing dinner. One of them noticed some seeds I had spread out to dry on the countertop, and he asked me why. I told him that one of my decorative gourds had rotted, and I decided to keep the seeds to try and grow them for next year. I was surprised at what I heard come out of his mouth. He said something to the effect of ‘does that mean that people who aren’t good can make something good.’ I was astonished at his insight and ability to make a comparative analysis. I shouldn’t have been surprised because he’s a brilliant child. What he said is true; though you may have a less-than-ideal parent or even a downright incompetent parent, you can be good. What’s even better is, because of your experience, God can use you to bring others into the kingdom of heaven through Jesus. Yes, the seeds from that rotten gourd will produce something beautiful next year when I plant them, and many will be blessed because I chose to save its seeds rather than throw the entire thing away. Never let your history determine your future.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24