There is a garden at the monastery at which I work. Brother Paul and Father Peter are the two monks who tend it. Brother Paul is probably 30-35 years younger than Father Peter and has “his way” of doing things which sometimes doesn’t align with Father Peter’s way. In the past both monks have taken responsibility for tending to the corn, which usually has gone well, except for their brief, intense conversations pertaining to how frequently to water. Br. Paul believes the corn requires daily watering. Fr. Peter believes less water yields better tasting corn.
This year, Br. Paul decided he’d rather spend his time tending to the berries – strawberries, raspberries etc – and leave the corn to Fr. Peter, “problem solved”, right?
Well, err…not really…
You see, I work with both monks in the bakery and have had the privilege of hearing their conversations concerning this years’ planting and growing of the corn. It’s been dry, so of course Paul keeps telling Peter he needs to water – to which Peter responds with “The corn is fine. It gets plenty of water”. Peter has no concerns whatsoever about the lack of water. None. Zip. Nada.
This brief conversation repeats itself multiple times a month and then “wham” it rains. Paul then states “God must like you & your corn Peter, as He waters it for you when you won’t. God must be spiting me for telling you to water the corn.” Then Peter chuckles.
This “cycle” has occurred several times this spring/summer, which I find highly entertaining, but today, it reminded me of something I read in “Think and Grow Rich” by Napolean Hill – a book I have read on my journey of personal development.
I discovered I control the words and thoughts that get planted in my brain. I have to be vigilant as to what I say and hear – as both good and bad pass through the same gate. I must be able to discern between the two; which can be more difficult than one would think. Being “present & mindful” every day adds value to my life and my relationships and are great tools for discernment
I am also in charge of pulling the weeds. I don’t like weeding the yard at home, so how the heck am I going to stay on top of the weeds in my head? Daily affirmations, that’s how. By beginning each day with simple “I am” statements I stuff my brain with good, positive words/thoughts which simply leaves no “dirt” for harmful words to infest and spread. Simple.
It takes care and attentiveness to grow a plant from a seedling. The same goes for nurturing positive words/thoughts. I receive “water” from many sources – friends, family, church, and books to name a few. Sometimes even a walk in the park allows me the opportunity to pause and reflect on the direction I am travelling and altar my course, if necessary.
If I can do it, you can too.
Go ahead – Plant that first “seed” and start “growing” a better you today!
Dan’s View 
Well, if we start with good corn seeds and consistent watering, whether from the Lord or our hands, we will get a good crop. If we start by planting good seeds of thoughts, beliefs and attitudes and water them consistently with reading, listening and watching good things, low and behold, we will have a good crop!
LikeLike
I am glad you got where I was going – it’s all about “are you being watered” and “from where does your water come”. Nothing grows without quality nourishment.
Again, thanks!
LikeLike