We have a garden, a garden of three seedlings. Every year we watch them grow taller and stronger and more beautiful. Thankfully, we are not the only gardeners. There are many who visit our garden who leave a lasting impression on our seedlings…grand-gardeners, friend gardeners, teacher gardeners and many more. They encourage our seedlings to know God, and grow in His light. They set an example for our seedlings of how to grow straight, strong, and tall with deep roots. They develop a relationship with our seedlings that they might know the gardeners and what kind of person they are. They talk about God every chance they get, whenever the conversation allows. They talk about God’s blessings, God’s goodness, His Help, His creation, And His salvation. They feed and water our seedlings with the healthy nutrients of God’s word. They also help us parent gardeners by giving advice and encouragement, and sometimes even seed-sitting. Point is they take time….time to love our seedlings. I am so grateful for the extra special gardeners my three seedlings have. They give so much.
What seedlings do you have around you – grand- seedlings, friend seedlings, neighbor seedlings, student seedlings, even new Christian seedlings? How could you influence them? It doesn’t take much, just a little time and care.
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. ”
Hebrews 13:17
Take time for a little extra gardening. The seedlings need you.
- Set an example – go to worship, say prayers in their presence, serve others, read your Bible, even just sitting quietly and attentively in services (Can’t stress this enough, there is nothing more disheartening than a child asking why their grandparents/friend/neighbor don’t go to worship or why they say those tacky words or why they act that way. These questions are often hard to answer. Don’t put young parents in the position of having to answer it.)
- Develop a relationship with them so that they know you and what kind of person you are, what your values are, what your priorities are.
- Develop a relationship with them so that you know them, what they think, what they are struggling with, and where they need to grow.
- Listen to them. Ask them questions and listen, really listen to their answers.
- Talk about God whenever the conversation allows (His blessings, His goodness, His help, His creation).
- Teach them memory verses and Bible class songs.
- When possible bring them to worship services, Bible class, and Bible studies with you.
- Send them cards (Birthday cards, congrats on a job well done, etc ), include scriptures in them, at the very least take time to email, send Facebook messages, or texts that let them know you care.
- Remind them that you love them and God loves them.
- Ask them to serve with you, as you serve others.
- Take them out to lunch or for an after school treat.
- When you are with them, put away your phone and give them your undivided attention.
- Pass on your skills and hobbies: gardening, cooking, quilting, sewing, crocheting, painting, photography, wood working, and the list goes on….
- Go to their school events: concerts, games, award ceremonies.
- Find books about God and read to them, everything from children’s books, to teen guidance books. For example: if they have come to spend the night or you are babysitting, read Bible stories before bedtime. If they are teens, give them the book to read with a planned time to discuss it later.
- Encourage their parents.
- Most of all, pray for the child and the parents of the child.
