Scattering Books Like Seeds

In my mind, a publisher distributing books is like a farmer broadcasting seeds. We send them out in every direction, hoping they fall on ready, canstockphoto2973557-sowerprepared soil that can and will receive the message and take it to heart.

In wintry times, seeds lie dormant in the ground waiting, sealed. When days grow longer and warmer, the seeds  awaken, sprout and eventually produce leaves and fruit.

Same with books. You may buy a book or be given one, but the season of your life isn’t right yet. The book sits on a shelf, or under a pile of other volumes—or a list of Kindle files—you plan to read sometime. Then one day you pick it up, or click it open, and start reading; and you marvel that these words are exactly what you need at this time.

Casting/sowing seeds or books takes faith and a long vision. A Christian publisher must believe that these books, which contain kernels of life-giving truth, will be carried by the Wind of the Holy Spirit. And when prepared personal soil opens to these seeds, we pray that their message will be watered by the Living Water. The resulting fruit will be minds and hearts growing and encouraged to flourish in hopeful wholeness, spiritual insights, and joyful service.

So I choose the mindset of an under-gardener. My Father is the Gardener. By his grace I purpose to work with God in digging, planting, and harvesting. The resulting fruit may never be fully seen or measured. But I will seek to cultivate wheat, not chaff, and do it with love. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must lick my finger and hold it to the wind.

  4 comments for “Scattering Books Like Seeds

  1. November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Well said, Catherine. Thanks for your wisdom and your vision.

    • November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

      And I’m thankful, Carol, that your book is one of the faith-filled seeds we’re scattering.

  2. November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    This is beautiful. It reminds me of how many years ago when I started my recovery journey, I picked up a copy of “Boundaries” by Drs. Cloud and Townsend. About a month later, I found a another copy of the same book buried in a stack of books I already had. I bought it years earlier but never read it. Funny how I knew I needed it back then. It is one of my favorite books.

    • November 30, 0000 at 12:00 am

      Thanks, Ardis. Yes, there are so many ways the Lord can encourage and enlighten and sharpen us with books at each stage of our lives. I’m sure He’ll use your story to help others also.

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