There is something incredibly satisfying about picking that first ripe tomato at harvest time.
This morning, as I walked out to the garden, I was thrilled to see that the tomatoes, which were hard and green just days before, were now a bright red and ready to be picked. Not able to wait, I went back to the house and got the saltshaker, then made my way back to the garden where I ceremoniously picked a ripe tomato, bit into its tender flesh, and allowed the flavorful juices to flow freely down my chin. In that moment, I imagined I was in heaven.
I have often thought of how much faith it takes to grow a garden, and how rewarding it is to reap the fruits after a season-long labor of love.
From the time that little tomato seed was first placed in the ground in the springtime, covered with soil, then given its first drink of water, it was done with a hope and belief that it would someday sprout, take root, and grow to bear fruit.
In a way, this simple act of faith teaches a great spiritual truth.
I’ve always loved the prophet, Alma’s, comparison of the Word of God to a seed, for as a gardener, it’s something I can relate to.
Alma taught that if we allow the Word of God to be planted in our hearts with a hope and belief that it will grow up to bear fruit, being mindful to not cast it out by our unbelief, then, like a seed, it will begin to swell within our hearts, sprout, take root within us, and grow up to bear fruit.
He assures that if we are diligent in nurturing the seed once it is planted, we will reap the rewards of our faith, and “by and by, [we] shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and [we] shall feast upon this fruit even until [we] are filled, that [we] hunger not, neither shall [we] thirst.” (Alma 32:42)
And what is that fruit?
In his epistle to the Galatians, Paul tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith. (Galatians 5:22) These fruits, which come from Christ, are very satisfying to soul, and to me, most desirable.
Alma leaves us with this promise, “And now,. . .I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even to nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then, may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen.” (Alma 33:23)
A Time to Reap
By Christi Pauline
The Word of God, just like a seed,
When sewn in fertile sod,
Will swell and grow within the heart,
And draw us nigh to God.
When hope seems far and distant,
And so hard to conceive,
If with just with a speck of faith,
You desire to believe.
Then push aside your fears and doubts,
And in your heart give place,
And plant the Word of God within,
Then give it ample space.
And if this seed be good and true,
And cast not out by doubt,
It will start to stir within,
And then begin to sprout.
This seed, if daily watered,
And nurtured with great care,
Will then enlarge within your breast,
And its roots establish there.
But here now is a warning,
And one that you should heed,
For it will surely determine,
The fate of the sprouting seed.
For if you then neglect the seed,
And take no thought of care,
Though it were established,
Will become as dead and bare.
And when the scorching sun beats down,
In the blasting heat of day,
The seed, because it hath no root,
Will wither and blow away.
But if, by faith, you nourish the seed,
As it grows within your breast,
Through your diligence, and patience,
With a tree you will be blessed.
Then by and by, this little tree,
When it has grown mature,
Will bear upon its branches,
Fruit, both sweet and pure.
This bounteous yield will satisfy,
With blessings from above,
And you will reap the joyous fruit,
Of hope, and peace, and love.
(Inspired by Alma, chapter 32)
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