At the restaurant where I work, some of the staff noticed something strange. Outside the back door, just off the sidewalk, a Roma tomato plant was growing, and had produced a tomato. No one planted a seed in order to grow a tomato plant there, no one watered the plant or even knew it existed. And since it is a Roma tomato, which are only used in the winter, the seed would have endured a harsh season to even spout, let alone grow to produce fruit.
Now, there are two options – let it ride or facilitate the growth and health of the plant.
It is similar in how the church can respond to those it comes in contact with. You may not have planted the seed, it may be unexpected, it may have been through some stuff, but that doesn’t matter at this point. How we engage and interact with those God places in our lives is what will make the difference. What now?
Leave the plant where it is, and it will die – either devoured by an animal or unable to grow in the space it currently occupies. Support it, move it if necessary and provide protection and the plant will survive and continue to produce fruit.
Organic discipleship is huge, but there will always be those who show up unexpectedly. How are you responding to them?
Sitting and having a conversation is always the best way I find. Who knows? I may learn something too.
Encouraging post Sam. Thanks for Sharing.
Well said my friend and great reminder to go after the “least of these”.