Seeds that shape our lives
Our hearts are like gardens, with many seeds already planted, each waiting to blossom. Whether those seeds are good or bad, we must be mindful of what we’re watering. As I step into the new year, one of the biggest lessons I’m taking with me is to be intentional about what I allow to take root in my life.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Your thoughts will become your actions,” and while this is true, I believe it all starts in the heart. What we allow to take up space in our most vulnerable place the heart will eventually blossom into thoughts and actions that can shape our daily lives. Sometimes, we don’t even notice we’ve watered certain seeds until they’ve grown into habits or routines that interfere with our focus, time, and priorities.
Earlier this year, I found myself distracted and overwhelmed. I was over-consuming social media posts, diving into information, and getting caught up in things that, while interesting, weren’t helping me grow spiritually. Exploration isn’t inherently harmful, but when it started taking time away from God and His purpose for me, I realized I needed a change.
As I reflected, I discovered that my distractions were rooted in feeling overwhelmed by my ever-growing to-do list. I decided to pause, repent, and ask God to show me how to deal with these feelings of overwhelm and anxiousness. Through this, I learned to be intentional about my time and to let God take the lead in organizing my life.
I’m not saying we need to analyze every thought or feeling. Instead, I encourage us to allow space for God to be who He truly is: our Father. He lovingly convicts us to bring out the best in us, especially when we’re the ones standing in our way.
If you’ve felt distracted, overwhelmed, or like you’re watering the wrong seeds, I encourage you to reflect on this scripture:
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Here are a few steps I’ve found helpful in realigning my focus with God:
Start your day with prayer: Ask God to direct your time and priorities.
Identify distractions: Notice the things that take up unnecessary space in your day and assess if they’re helping or hindering you.
Create intentional space for God: Block out time daily to connect with Him—whether through scripture, prayer, or quiet reflection.
A declaration I’ve adopted and encourage you to make is:
“God, please allow my schedule to fit around You, and not You around my schedule.”
As you move forward, remember that the seeds you water today will shape the garden you walk in tomorrow. Let’s choose wisely!