May 24 Spring Devotional

Saturday, May 24

• Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 – I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
• Reflection: During spring, as people begin to garden, take a moment to appreciate the cycle of life. The wonder of winter’s dormancy as it transitions into the spring, when seeds put out roots and tendrils, and begin to seek the sun, and emerge from the earth. The process of cultivating the new life with water and nourishment, weeding and care, becomes a chance to be in the presence of Holy Love, too.
  We cannot bring life to fruition alone. We work with teams. We are partners in the cultivation of blossoms and kitchen gardens, the tending of vineyards and orchards, or even the care of wild pastures, fields, and forests. Yet it is God who makes growth and life possible.
  In prior years, we have even meditated on soil as a medium of renewal and resurrection. The earth itself becomes the agent of breakdown, decomposition, and death, followed by revival and repurposing of organic matter, so that everything comes back again, supporting renewed life. If you are a gardener, appreciate the chance to be close to creation itself. If you aren’t a gardener, take time to notice the care others put into their flowerbeds, gardens, yards and outdoor spaces. Many of these spaces, private and public, become chances to slow down and marvel at the return of life.
• Spiritual Practice Prompt: What catches your eye? Spend time appreciating a leaf, plant, or flower. Count the petals or the points. Name the parts of the plant, or at least learn the name of the vegetation you’re contemplating. How long will it bloom? Does it bear fruit pr produce seed? How does it reproduce? What other creatures use it for food or home? How long will it grow this season? Wonder and be curious.

Song:

• A Seed’s a Star/Tree Medley by Stevie Wonder: https://youtu.be/KEK7tMxXRpo?si=VznidGnelIp79EH7

• We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.— John Lennon

  Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. — Robert Louis Stevenson
  
  Great failures are only ‘great’ if we refuse to see the seeds for our greatest successes liberally planted within them. For then, failure is success that simply needs some water. ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

  Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don’t have any problems, you don’t get any seeds. — Norman Vincent Peale

  There are no soft grounds in life. Just places to water and plough. ― Michael Bassey Johnson

  Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed. — Robert H. Schuller

  Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise both will wither and die.—   R. Ambedkar