You Reap What You Sow!
Growing up as a child in the Crossfield area, the time of harvest was a highlight – almost as important as hockey. It brought the community together as families helping one another bring in the crops before Alberta’s unpredictable winter came upon us. Our lives and relationships are very similar to the natural harvest. We reap what we sow. Unfortunately, many of us sow wild oats and then pray for crop failure or gaze in disbelief at the field full of wild oats. Let me suggest four seeds that will always produce a good crop.
Kindness
Kindness is an undeserved act of benevolence. We open the door for someone, not because they deserve it, but rather to show kindness. We allow the person to merge into our lane, we prepare a meal for someone, and the list goes on. Showing kindness has a way of developing gratitude within us.
Love
Remember, love is action not an emotion. I will seek to benefit others at my own expense. I will give without expectation of anything in return. I will own my part in the other person’s failure. I will be willing to walk with vulnerability and transparency. I will not hold anyone else responsible for my actions and attitudes.
Mercy
Mercy is compassion or forbearance, particularly to one who is an offender. A man who led a group of holocaust survivors said, “We will not respond to our enemies as they have treated us lest we become like them.” Mercy says, “I know you are wrong but I am not going to give you what you deserve.” If we want mercy, we need to sow seeds of mercy.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is more than just a verbal statement. I think it was Shakespeare who said, “To forgive is Divine.” In order to forgive we have to take our eyes off our hurt. Bitterness comes when we saturate our mind with the wrong we have experienced. Forgiveness is allowing that wrong to open our eyes to the need of the person who has wronged us. Unresolved hurt usually prompts us to hurt others. Forgiveness is proactive in looking for ways that help can come to the person who caused the hurt.
We can hang onto our hurt and become bitter. We can close the door to mercy and become calloused. We can emotionally shut people out and stunt our growth. We can horde what we have and live in isolation. Join me in planting seeds that cause us to flourish and nourish others.
Duane Harder
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