Planting seeds?

We are planting beans today.  Last night, on the advice of my mother-in-law, I soaked them so jump-start germination. The bean itself is inert.  Something outside itself begins the process of new life – it doesn’t do it on its own.  Left alone, the bean will remain a hard object and produce nothing.
 
This got me reflecting on the nature of a seed this morning.  Traditional religion teaches a seed is something that God scatters about, gives nourishment to and helps to grow.  You know – the parable of the seed on different types of soil, seeds of faith, etc.  In this teaching, spiritually we play a small part with God doing most of the work.  But what if God is the seed itself?  God, scattered about everywhere waiting for something to bring it to life.  What if all of creation plays a role in bringing that seed to life to bear fruit in the world?  This is a subtle shift, for sure, but think about it.  That would mean that God needs creation - us, our yes, our help - to bring God forth.  Our yes, creation’s yes, is what breaks open the seed, nourishes the seed and participates in the bearing of its fruit.  True, God is all powerful and doesn’t need anyone’s help to do anything; miracles are certainly evidence of that.  But what if God desires our help, prefers our help and is waiting for our help?  If God is the seed itself and we the soil, water, light and heat, our yes plays a critical role in how God is present in our world, which fits right in with the Gospel message.  I guess the question to sit with today is what does God’s seed in me need?  How can I bring that to life?  How can I share that seed’s fruit with all of creation?
Well, it snowed this morning so I guess we won't be planting after all.  So even thought the beans have to wait, I'll open my heart to God, hoping my soil is ready for that new life being offered!