Tags
change, cheerful giver, Corinthians, enlightening, generosity, John, joy, sower, sowing seeds, The Sophia Center for Spirituality
Once more today sowing seeds is the predominant metaphor used in the Scriptures to get life lessons across. First it is Paul who says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully…for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2COR 9:6) Once again a song from the past, accompanied by energetic arm gestures, plays in my head. We sang, “God loves a cheerful giver; give it all you’ve got!” Why hold on to anything when sharing and generous giving bring such joy? Easily said, I hear in my mind, noting my tendency to hold on to what I have rather than opening my hands.
The gospel answers that question, seeing us not as the sower this time, but as the seed. “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.” (JN 12: 24-26) Our willingness to be broken open by events or relationships or any enlightening insight will always draw us deeper into life. It is our tight fists that keep us from letting go, our unwillingness to be changed that impede our growth.
So today I choose to get out there with open hands and open heart to greet whatever comes calling because I know that generosity on my part is just a fraction of what God is willing to give and my cheerful giving will be met with God’s unbounded joy in my own heart.
The Sophia Center for Spirituality 
Thank you again Sister Lois,
I am receiving so much from getting these in my email.. For some reason I thought I was signed up but only getting them on the Internet page, not in my email. Now it is working so it comes to my email and I am enjoying that very much. I love following you in the morning.. There is always something fitting in the words given and the words offered… Thank you. This issue of giving and letting go versus hanging on with tight fists is something that meets me each day these days, even in the simplest ways… This morning it comes up even with my own sadness, something I notice is holding on, even as my impulse and desire is to go through it and let it go. And as it goes, what can go of it, it is indeed a giving, my energy frees up and my capacity and willingness to reach out and be present to the world and the tasks of the day increases. The remnants that hang on, that are not yet ready? Who knows? These I can feel locking up that energy of life, and the revolving door or reciprocal circle of relationship and interaction with all things. I am grateful for the seeds, for the image of becoming seed, for beauty and growth and the bounty of God’s love. My prayer is that it may flow freely through us one and all. With love, Laura
With love,
Laura