Inch by Inch

"Inch by inch, row by row,
Gonna make this garden grow!
All it takes is a rake and a hoe and a piece of fertile ground."
~John Denver

Children Sermon on the "Parable of the Weeds" -- Matthew 13:40-41

In the the "Parable of the Sower" last Sunday, we talked about being fertile soil~allowing God's love to grow in our hearts.  As "fertile soil," we share kindness and help others, creating the opportunity for flowers to BLOOM.  This week we think about all the weeds that grow in and amongst us.  Do we take a hoe or rake to the weeds?  No, we may dig up the plants we want to keep . . . Do we apply "weed killer?"  No, we may kill more than we intend . . .

Everybody say it with me:  "My business is ENOUGH business to keep me BUSY!"  God doesn't want us focusing on what other people are doing wrong.  He wants us to take a good look inside and check in on the business of which we have control . . . Are we making choices to be the love God wants to see shared in the world?  Maybe the song should be sung like this:

Inch by inch, row by row,
Gonna help God's garden grow!
I don't need a rake or a hoe, just a piece of fertile ground. [that's me]
Inch by inch, row by row,
Gonna help God's garden grow!
Be-cause He loves us so
We'll share His love all around.

Let's pray about it:  Dear God, Thank for the chance to work in your garden.  Please help us to focus on our business and not the weeds.  Help us to share your love and the be the children you've designed us to be in the world!  In your name we pray and ALL God's children say:  AMEN!!