Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Germination
Today we recognize the rich seeds of Spiritual possibilities that have taken root in our hearts and we feel the abundant fruits of love, joy and peace that result.
The concept of germination is often used to describe the creative process and our crucial role in it. Jesus likened the creative process to a sower sowing seeds. Some seeds fall by the path and are devoured by birds. Some fall on rocky ground and, after growing for a while, wither away without sufficient roots. Some fall among thorns and are choked by the more aggressive plants. And some fall upon fertile soil and bring forth a rich supply of grain.
What are those seeds and what is the grain we seek? The apostle Paul offers a clear definition, "The fruit of the Spirit," he writes, "is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22). And the greatest of these Spiritual fruits are love, joy and peace.
"First comes love," writes Evelyn Underhill, "pure, undemanding, generous love... In hard, ungenerous hearts, the Spirit cannot grow and increase."
The immediate byproducts of this love are joy and peace. Peace and joy, Mrs. Underhill writes, "are not something we achieve at the end, but are there at the very beginning, in our soul's deep, long indeed before our restless surface-minds are ready to receive them."
reprinted from Unity's "A Season for Spiritual Growth"