Daily Wisdom for Women - January 21, 2023

 January 21, 2023 - Tender of the Heart  "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.  This is what was sown along the path."  Matthew 13: 19

I like the parable here, maybe because we are a farming family.  Maybe because I like flowers.  Maybe because I have sometimes struggled (like now) with having successful perennials.   I just can't get things to return around the gazebo and it is very frustrating!

First ---seed falling by the roadside - woman who heard the Word but didn't understand it in her heart - seed was snatched away

Second - seed falling on rocky soil ---woman who heard the Word, happy about it, but didn't stick with it - shallow roots--caved at first sign of trouble

Third - seed falling amid the thorns---woman heard the Word but experienced troubles in the world and worried too much--Word choked out and produced nothing

Fourth - seed falling on good soil - woman not only understood the Word but reaped a good harvest because the Word was also written in her heart

Too often I am like the third scenario.  I read the Word. I pray.  I understand it.  I share it with Rhonda.  But then the 'troubles of the world' and 'worries' creep in and there I go!  Off on my own tangent and NOT trusting God to take care of everything.  I really want to be the fourth scenario.  I do understand the Word but I am still trying to reap a good harvest.  I felt myself tensing up just while sitting in the waiting room at the Clinic the other day when Gary had his doctor's appt.  I am already tensing because of the appt with my cardiologist on Friday.  Why is that?  Why can I not just trust God and go and be calm?  Being tense is not good for my blood pressure!!!!

Lord of the harvest, Sower of the Word, make me a better tender of my heart.  May I take in Your message and reap a harvest beyond my wildest hopes and dreams.  Amen.