Thinking more on yesterday’s post (just scroll down one on the website). The Parable of the Sower and understanding when the soil is prepared for the growth of the Word.
Farmers in my area completed the harvest in a timely manner. The fields once hiding the view from rural roads now afforded a view across the way to the ponds and woods in the distance.
No sooner had they put away the harvesting machinery, out came the tillers. Soon most of the ground was tilled lying prepared through the winter for spring planting. Next May sprouts of corn and soy beans will green those dormant fields.
Returning to our church-going friend who wishes to share what a relationship with God means with another. I suggested beginning with a question. This acts in the same manner of tilling the soil. The soil (person) must be prepared for sowing the seed (Word). Otherwise, our well meaning person wastes time and effort, perhaps even alienating the other.
Let us now look at ourselves. We also must prepare our own soil for the Word to take root, grow, and multiply. We often find that best preparation is silence. Sitting in a supportive chair. Perhaps contemplating some story from Jesus. Silence. Allowing God to speak.
Walking in nature without Air Pods or headphones. Aware of the sounds of the season—birds, frogs, dogs, the wind, a train in the distance. In the silence of our head, we open ourselves in preparation for the planting of the Word. Or perhaps cultivating that Word already planted (maybe another contemplation from farming).
Faith Venture 
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