I like to think I have some powers of persuasion, that I am good with words. But still, the fact remains: I have never succeeded in converting another person.
A few years ago, I nearly severed a close friendship in my enthusiasm and zeal over Theology of the Body and Church teaching on contraception.
Conversion isn’t something I have any power over. I have to remind myself, sometimes hourly, that my job is that of a farmer: I plant seeds. I sow prayers.
I continue to be terrified by the call to the New Evangelization. What good can I do? I wonder if God really picked an instrument that can do any good.
I can plant the seeds, that’s what. It involves getting my hands dirty and keeping myself busy. Sowing those prayers means I have a focus.
I may never see the buds or the blooms from my work. I may never hear that gratifying word of appreciation or hear of someone else’s conversion.
But if I’m lucky, I’ll find myself converted, again and again.
Copyright © 2012, Sarah Reinhard
Sarah Reinhard
Sarah Reinhard continues to be shocked and delighted that her life as a grown-up involve horses, writing, and sparkly dress shoes. In her work in the New Evangelization as a Catholic wife, mom, writer, parish employee, and catechist, she’s learned a lot of lessons, had a lot of laughs, and consumed mass amounts of coffee. She’s online at SnoringScholar.com and CatholicMom.com, and is the author of a number of books.
5 responses to “Plant seeds and leave it to the Holy Spirit”
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It’s hard not seeing the fruit of my labors, but I have to remember to leave it up to the Holy Spirit. I’ve planted plenty of seeds, but am I called to do more? I’m with you — the New Evangelization scares me!
It’s like being a teacher. You have to take it on faith that the lessons you impart to your students will later bear fruit. The same is true in parenting and in evangelizing.
Every once in a while you will get the rare reward of finding out that you DID make that difference in someone’s life. But really, the reward is not the reason you make the effort. The possibility of making a difference is the reason.
My motto is “Don’t try to do everything; leave something for the Holy Spirit to do so he can keep his job.”
Lovely thoughts! Thank you.
[…] this moment into one that plants seeds. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your reaction, to hold you as you pray, to lead you as you […]