Planting Seeds of Hope

kids planting seeds in garden
The children planting their seeds in the garden.

The children in our catechism classes had a wonderful lesson the other day. They were learning about what Jesus said in John 12:24, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

To see this in action, the teachers took the students outside to where our community garden is. They gave them some seeds to plant in one of the garden beds that was already prepared and ready to go. Each child got to plant their seeds in the ground, then they took turns watering them. In their enthusiasm, some of the seeds got overly doused with water, but the thirsty soil eventually absorbed all the moisture so the seeds should survive and grow.

Since the garden is right outside of the classrooms, the kids will be able to check on the progress of their plants each week, to observe how they sprout, grow, flourish and eventually produce the squash that they will then be able to harvest and take home for their family to cook and eat.

watering the garden
Watering the newly planted seeds.

“That was fun!” “I can’t wait to see my seed grow!” “Will they be ready next week?” were some of the comments from the children. And since the harvest won’t be ready for some weeks yet, they can learn the art of patiently waiting.

As they watch the garden thrive, hopefully they will also be reminded of how each act of kindness and service on their part will produce good fruit in their families, in their neighborhood and in the world.