Yes, Indeed, Pumpkin Seed
By John Bonney of Springfield, OR, USA
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. —Romans 5:1–2 NRSV
During the last days of summer, there arose a squash plant at the edge of our yard. We don’t know the exact why or how, but we saw its beginnings. It emerged from under the remaining foliage of a wild sweet pea blooming on a trellis. The squash leaves were oversized and decorative, so we let the plant grow. It wasn’t hurting anything, but we did not anticipate anything to harvest.
About two weeks later it produced startling deep yellow-orange flowers. Nobody told the plant it was not the season for blooming. The squash simply was there. Nature, in its surprising forms, was going ahead as long as it could, even as autumn descended.
One day, hidden near the bottom of the plant, we discovered a pumpkin. The volunteer plant had produced. It had done what the Creator called it to do. Creation had instilled within it the compelling call to reach out for its destiny regardless of the time or season. And there it hangs as I write.
I don’t know what will happen to that unseasonal effort. It may have time to ripen and it may not. But it tried—it tried. And the pumpkin of hope came riding into our yard on the stem of a vine. There was no crowd and no donkey. No one cheered, but two people marveled at the pumpkin that never gave up.
If I give up too easily, perhaps I’m not in tune with the call of creation to move forward. Seasons of life pass, and I change without choice. But I’m convinced I could better use this change practice in my own life as I anticipate the possibilities of the days ahead.
This life over which we have jurisdiction is a stewardship. We take what has come our way and make something worthy of the gift of existence. We reflect the value of blessing, grace, eternal love, placed within and around us to share. Through eternal stewardship, we share the Eternal Creator with all of creation.
Prayer for Peace
Eternal Creator, help us grow as we change, for change we must. Help us share your love and peace as they grow in our lives.
Spiritual Practice: Invite People to Christ
Read and reflect on Doctrine and Covenants 162:3b and 163:2b. Pray to be aware of people who might be receptive, and therefore blessed, by your sharing of the message of the Living Christ. Imagine being in relationship with them and inviting them to Christ. In preparation, discover your personal testimony of Christ. “Be persistent in your witness and diligent in your mission to the world.” Repeat this phrase throughout the day: “Christ’s mission, our mission, my mission.”
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will bloom where I am planted.
