And Jesus said to them,
” . . . . Those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it
and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”
Mark 4:20
I have lived a fruitful and blessed life. I shall always be counting and forever be grateful for all the blessings that have come my way. It has been a long way from Angeles, where I grew up, to San Jose where I now live. Never in my wildest imaginings then could I ever have conjured up the people, the places and the events that have come into my life.
Like a seed that was sown, I grew into a tree. Like a tree that has grown, I have brought forth fruits. And the fruits that I have borne have been blessings to me and to the people that have been part of my life. I have been happy and thankful for the opportunity and privilege to have loved and served others.
Blessings are often seen as the many good things in our lives. Blessings are having more of these good things. But, as I grow older, blessings can also be about having less of the good things. For even plants and trees have to be pruned to stay healthy and productive.
Having less material possessions is a blessing. Then I can have more to give and share with others and I am less encumbered in my final journey. Having less fun and pleasure is a blessing. Then, I can attune myself to the joys in life that transcend the senses and prepare me for the next level which is beyond what can be perceived by the senses. Having less energy is a blessing. Then, I can slow done and be more aware of my surroundings, of nature, of the people who have loved and served, of the events that have made my life worthwhile and fruitful. Having less time is blessing. Then I can finally learn and understand the value of time and prepare me for a life that is beyond time and space.
Trees grow to bear fruits.
And fruits bear seeds of new trees.
Like so is my life.