Heart Planters

My eldest granddaughter, who lives with me, struggles to find nurturing influences. The seeds planted around her often cultivate fear and self-doubt rather than love. Many girls her age seem to compete for appearance, leading to emotional pain and bitterness that can entrap their hearts.

Witnessing her wounded spirit is challenging. What can I do? I strive to plant seeds of self-worth, love, and hope. Sometimes, just sitting quietly with her, enveloping her in my arms, allows a transfer of healing energy from my heart to hers.

Young Gardens

In contrast, heart planting with my younger grandchildren is more straightforward. Their emotional soil remains untainted, making them receptive to the seeds of hope I offer. I often share teachings about God, encouraging them to embrace love and respect for others, fostering the values of the Golden Rule: treating others as they wish to be treated.

Their hearts are naturally inclined to nurture these seeds, and they flourish as they model the positivity they observe.

Soil of My Heart

What types of seeds do I wish to cultivate within myself? It's essential that my heart's soil is prepared and not rocky.

You might be familiar with the Parable of the Good Sower, where the Gardener has excellent seeds, yet the soil varies in quality. Some seeds fall on rocky ground and wither, while others are choked by life's worries. However, seeds that land on good soil yield a bountiful harvest.

This parable encourages me to be mindful of my emotional state. When overwhelmed, I plant words of peace through prayer. If I sense anger sprouting, I uproot it and cultivate joy instead. Over time, joy manifests unexpectedly.

My Garden

Just as I care for my emotional garden, I also prepare the physical one. My backyard is shaded by trees, but a sunny spot on the southwest side beckons.

To create my garden, I measure the area, till the soil, and add fertilizer. This year, I'm excited to plant tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and hot peppers. My husband handles the planting while I guide him based on the layout designed by Krista Bennett, our gardening expert at Middle-Pause.

Throughout spring and summer, I oversee watering and weeding, often enlisting my sons and grandchildren to help. By late summer to mid-fall, I anticipate reaping a fruitful harvest.

Seeds in Your Heart

What kind of seeds can I plant for you? My hope is to inspire, uplift, and empower you to cultivate your own fruitful garden.

How can I achieve this? One way is through the words I write here. The world is a vast garden, and you are a vital part of it.

I encourage you to look upward, recognizing your inherent beauty and potential. Dream big and share your aspirations with me—I’ll be your biggest supporter!

I also empower you to take action and become a catalyst for change. Consider becoming an MP Change Agent; enrollment is open now, and your first mission starts with you!

I am grateful for Marilyn's prompt that reminded me of these vital practices. Planting seeds of kindness, nurturing our gardens, and tending to our hearts is all part of this intricate journey called life.

Take that first step and prepare for your mission, Change Agent [Your Name]. It starts with us.

Let’s cultivate a garden together!

Garden of the Fruit Trees

The day I discovered the vibrant garden within my heart.

Here’s my secret weapon to help women in transition.

Debbie Walker is a great-grandmother, writer, blogger, and the founder of Middle-Pause & Forward Motion, the podcast STOMP!, MPM Publishing, and is editing a four-book anthology featuring Middle-Pause writers. Connect with her at [email protected]; follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest; and listen to STOMP!

What Seeds Will You Plant This Spring? with Pastor Rick Warren dives into the importance of planting spiritual seeds in our lives and the impact of nurturing our hearts.

Good Soil, Good Seed | Duane Roberts | Matthew 13:1-30 emphasizes how the quality of our hearts affects the seeds we plant, shaping our spiritual growth and relationships.