By  LPJ

The mustard seed. I’ve been thinking about it. Not strange at all, since I’ve studied Scripture and remember it to figure prominently in Jesus’ parable. I won’t try to delve into complex scholarly interpretation, but  expound on my understanding of the concept of something small that grows into something big and beautiful, specifically, seed planted in good soil and nurtured.  I remember its association to faith and the kingdom of God. And while the parable warns against neglect and complacency in caring for the seed, it especially exhorts the value of diligent care for healthy growth. Care that thrives on determination, perseverance and genuine appreciation. In spiritual metaphor, the mustard seed is faith that is endowed. When grown to a proportion according to the grace that’s given, it sees the kingdom of God.

My lay perspective is relatable to kindness and good living (as meant to be in the implications of faith in the mustard seed parable). My reflections flourish on the realization that small gestures too simple to gain notice, or too common to earn gratitude start from being ordinary to becoming heartwarming and wonderful.

Too wonderful to forget.

I muse about the mustard seed in simple ways. For instance, a genuine smile can brighten one’s day. A brief hello can open up a conversation worth remembering. Listening to someone’s hurt can soothe pain. Making a phone call can break a friend’s wall of loneliness. Drawing laughter on a good joke can lighten someone’s weariness. Sending a thoughtful card to a sick person can shorten the path to recovery. Cooking and serving soup to a family member or friend afflicted with a bad cold can ease up the sneezes. Reading a cheery poem to a young child can open up a world of wonders for the little one. Regaling in the elderly folks’ repeated stories of long ago can sweeten their memories. Writing a cheery note to a spouse can tighten the love ties. A sincere thank you can strengthen affinities.

There are many more ways, like my grandson offering an arm for me to hold for balance as I cross the street; or my son opening the car door for me and gently helping me settle into the bucket seat of his car; or a warm hug from my daughter in the early morn. Mustard seeds so wonderfully grown, all springing delight that fills the heart.

Or simply,  a fresh, fragrant blossom picked from the garden and handed to me by my husband. The thought still brings me joy, though it’s been over a decade of him gone to the heavenly realm.

So you see, the mustard seed grows. And when it grows, it stays. It doesn’t go away. Because what it brings stays in the heart.

Linda P. Jacob