Seeds of Love

Are you mindful of what comes out of your mouth?  Do you think before you speak?  Or, do you blurt words unaware of the consequences they may have?  I know I have done my fair share of blurting. Words are like simple seeds.  You can either sow seeds of love to others or sow seeds of hate.  Which would you rather do?

What you say can mean life or death.  Those who speak with care will be rewarded.  Proverbs 18:21 NCV

I read (and reread) a devotional each year called One: A Marriage Devotional – by Jimmy Evans and each time I read it I gain new insight.  The devotional not only applies to marriage, but also to relationships in general.  It is a great overall lesson to help in all areas of life – marriage, friends, family and even co-workers. It would even be a great tool for the general public as it seems a vast majority of people seem offended or irritable lately.

To read this great devotional – Click HERE.

The Power of Words is on Day 11 of this 52-day series and it talks about how communication is a lifeline of information, conflict resolution and affection.  Words are extremely powerful for good or for bad.  In every relationship or interaction – you will have an exchange of either positive or negative words.  If you think of these words as seeds – you will either harvest a beautiful garden of sunflowers or an unkept mess of thistles.  

Side note:  Sunflowers represent adoration and loyalty. They are known as the happy flower and remind us to embrace joy and seek out the light.   Thistles are a symbol of desolation – a complete state of emptiness or destruction which can rapidly take over an area.  

Think about that sidenote for a moment. Thistles are a symbol of desolation and destruction – which can rapidly take over an area.  Negative words are like thistles – a harsh or unkind word can rapidly harm or ruin a relationship much faster than any kind words.  Someone can speak to you continually with kindness, but if something provokes harshness and unkind words – that moment can make all other pleasant moments disappear.  Harsh words can cause uneasiness fast. 

When I was reading about positive words, I discovered many old sayings reflecting the same concept about words – here are a few that stand out:

• You get more flies with honey than with vinegar
• Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud
• Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible
• In a world where you can be anything, be kind
• Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul
• A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit
• The tongue has no bones, but is strong enough to break a heart

I love these sayings and proverbs.  The world needs to live more by these sayings.  

Reflecting on how the world is [right now] – what other people post on social media – and simply just seeing people in public.  There is a lot of anger displayed.  Many people ‘think’ it is ok to say exactly what’s on their mind.  Words spill out of their mouths like garbage with no morality or ability to take the consequences.  Many feel it is ‘their right’ to just speak their mind, their opinion, or their thoughts.  They, themselves, want to be heard – but when their opinions don’t line up with who they are voicing to – they lash out, point fingers, condemn, and remove themselves altogether from their friend or family member or even businesses.   These voices believe it’s ok to remove history, force others to comply to the ‘new words’ of the day and even try condemn others for actually being truthful with scientific facts or knowledge.  

When I see this happening, I view it as seeds of thistles.  Rapidly spreading destruction through families, schools, towns and cities.  Their words are seeds – trying to take root across the minds of those young and old.  

To quote my husband….”There’s no room for anger here”…

The thing about thistles is that they only grow when care is not given.  The seeds of thistles will rapidly spread only if love is removed.  Thistles need neglect to thrive.  

If we sow seeds of love – like the sunflowers – and apply some love, kindness and care into our words – we would actually see our society strengthen and thrive.  If we took the time to hold our tongue before we speak.  Listen before we speak.  Think before we speak.  Our words would be spoken out of love and kindness.  They would be sweet like honey.  

You have the ability to plant a seed today.  Which seed will you choose?  

Sunflowers?   Or Thistles?

I believe I have planted many sunflower gardens over time, but I have certainly planted my share of thistle seeds – I think we all have – but over time, one by one, you can rid of the thistles and distruction and care for those beautiful, joyful sunflower seeds that we all endure within us.

To quote the group Tears For Fears (if you are not from the 80’s – they were a well-known band back in the day) – Here is an exerpt from their song – “Sowing The Seeds Of Love“:

Time to eat all your words
Swallow your pride
Open your eyes
Time to eat all your words
Swallow your pride
Open your eyes
High time we made a stand (Time to eat all your words)
And shook up the views of the common man (Swallow your pride)
And the love train rides from coast to coast (Open your eyes)
Every minute of every hour
"I love a sunflower " (Open your eyes)
And I believe in love power (Open your eyes)
Love power
Love power (Open your eyes)
Sowing the seeds of love
Seeds of love
Sowing the seeds
Sowing the seeds of love

As you go about your day and your week, take note of your words.  Pause before you speak.  Don’t let those negative thoughts roll off your tongue so quickly and take a moment to reflect (a great reminder for myself too).  One small seed of love can create a beautiful day in someone’s life… so do sunflowers. To read more about how Sunflowers can mimic life – click HERE.