Two weeks ago the boys and I planted some seeds in three mini greenhouses. Tom was very proud of his pumpkins that grew slowly and steadily and then suddenly shot up. As I was watering the seedlings today, I noticed something on one of the leaves. It was a totally translucent part of the inside of the original seed. Paper thin and wonderfully delicate, this was all that was left of the old seed.

I held it in my hand, marvelling at the simple joy of nature and the intricacies of God’s amazing plans. As I did so, I heard God speak to me about my own life.

It is no secret that God plants His seeds in us. Much has been written on the subject. I don’t think I have ever read anything written on the see-through part of an old pumpkin seed though!

I looked at it carefully and could see the imprint of the seed shape on its surface – completely mimicking the size and structure. But now this little piece of the plant had done its job -whatever that was.

Sometimes, in order for something in our lives to flourish, something else might need to die and be put aside. That ‘seed case’ is no less beautiful and amazing for this. It is actually what it is meant for. Perhaps there is something in your life that you are holding onto desperately as your ‘seed’, thinking that this is what God is going to grow.

Actually, what God may have in mind is far bigger and more significant. So, whether you have been wanting to write a book, or start a cell group, or teach singing, or begin a Theology course or take up Salsa… God may have other ideas behind that. That may be the seedcase for something far greater.

Plant your seed and water it well. But don’t be surprised if it grows and pushes something else out of the way.