Seeds of New Beginnings
Spring is the season where it seems like the world around you is awakening from the deep, cold slumber of winter. Spring is when we see flowers start to bloom; trees return to green, and birds sing again. The world looks so lush and fresh, that we can forget that at one time each leafy tree, each flowering plant, each blade of grass started as a small insignificant seed. The majesty of the towering tree; the beauty of the exquisite flowers wipes away the memory of the seed’s existence. But it started as a seed- a small beginning- and this brings me to a verse that was on my heart at the start of this year, and one that I continue to ponder, reflect on- and get corrected by- time and time again:
“Do not despise these small beginnings…” - Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)
The full verse reads as:
Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?" (NIV)
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”… (NLT)
This verse is in the context of the prophet Zechariah receiving a word from God, with part of the message being an encouragement to the leader of the Israelite people, Zerubbabel, as he leads them in the rebuilding of the Temple. At this time, the Israelites have been freed to return to Judah after being exiled to Babylon for 70 years, and they are rebuilding the city of Jerusalem and the Temple of God, which were destroyed during the siege of their land. The Israelites are working to rebuild after their way of life had been disrupted for many years, with many having spent decades away from the land and way of life that was so familiar and so integral to their identity.
Like the Israelites, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our normal in 2020, taking us out of what was familiar and requiring us to navigate a new way of life. Many of us had to rebuild as jobs, education, and finances were disrupted. However, when we set out to rebuild, sometimes it can seem like the the blocks we have to start building with just don’t seem like they are enough to build the structure we need.
It’s interesting, though, that when we look at a plant’s seed we never doubt that it can be more than what it looks like. It can, with the right care and nutrients, grow into what it has the potential to be: a tree that stands tall and strong for generations; a plant that produces food to feed many; or a flower whose colours light up a garden. However, we can often look at the seeds; the small beginnings of what we have to start building in our lives and doubt the potential of those seeds growing into something greater. We can disregard what we have and instead think, “when I get a better equipment, I’ll start my YouTube channel” or “when I get more followers, then I’ll launch my business”, or “when I become really mature in my faith, then I’ll serve in my church”. The verse says “Do not despise”, and in the original Hebrew text, the word “despise” has the meaning of “disregard” or “count as insignificant”. How often have I disregarded what I have right now to start with, when maybe all I have is all I need for now? That, with the right care and nurturing, the seeds I have to start building can grow into something that overshadows the perceived insignificance of its beginnings.
We need to nurture our small seeds- our building blocks- so that they can grow into what they can be. However, just like plants, we need to ensure our seeds are given the right environment, nutrients, and care to grow. Here are 3 things I’ve found that is important to consider in the process:
1) What does my seed need to grow?
Science tells us that seeds basically need nutrients, water, air and sunlight to grow. Each of those elements play a role in a plant’s food production cycle and growth. This concept of essential elements can also be applied to the seeds of our goals or vision. It’s important to identify what elements and nutrients your seed needs to grow. For example, this could be finding ways to learn the skills you need, be it taking a course or finding information on YouTube or through podcasts. Or, this could be identifying the tools and equipment you can gather, or even connecting with the right people you can work with. Whether it’s knowledge, tools and equipment, or skills- identify what your seed needs and get those nutrients in place!
2) What kind of environment does my seed need?
Not every plant can grow in the same environment. Some plants need less water and so can flourish in a desert, while others need lush, forested areas. Some plants can grow in a bare space, while others need to be surrounded by animals and other plants that facilitate its nutrient delivery. So, how does this apply to us? Well, we need to identify if the environment we have is helping or hindering us. Then, we also need to identify what we can do to improve our environment or maintain what is beneficial.
I think, most importantly, this is creating the right spiritual atmosphere in your life through prayer, worshipping God, and getting filled with the truth of God’s word. Along with this, doing the work on renovating the internal environment of your mind and emotions by taking the actions you need to clear out negativity and thinking that does not align with the mind of Christ (Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2). Cultivating the right environment may also involve creating a workspace where you can focus, or even structuring your time to provide space in your schedule to work on the tasks you need to accomplish towards the vision. Or, you may just need to re-structure your schedule to fit in sleep, rest, and exercise so that you are fully energized and can work effectively. So, take time to determine the environment that would allow your seeds to flourish, and the steps you can take to create that environment.
3) What are the enemies of my seed?
In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9), Jesus describes one condition of seed that was sown where,
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.” (Matthew 13:3-4, NIV)
and another condition where
“Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.” (Matthew 13:7, NIV)
In both those conditions, there were enemies to the seed that worked to prevent it from growing into its full potential.
Our seeds of vision and purpose need to be protected. Weights like fear, doubt, unbelief, and even jealousy can hinder our seeds from fully growing into the plants they were designed to be. So, it’s important for us to identify the current and potential enemies to our seeds and get the tools and strategies in place to protect your seeds as they are sprouting. Prayer and getting rooted in God’s truth - the Bible- are key tools where can cast the weights on Jesus, and take up the truth of who we are through Him, and who we are called to be. This may also look like getting plugged in with a community of like-minded people who can encourage and walk alongside you in your journey. This may also involve becoming more aware of things that weigh you down, like comparison, doubt, or fear and making the changes needed to address them so that you can do the work, unhindered.
As we enter a new season of the year, I pray that you are encouraged in your process and journey of nurturing the seeds of your vision and purpose into their full potential.
God bless,