Little Eden

By Challi Barnhurst, 2026

Jesus shares a parable of a man sowing seeds in the field.  The seed scatters here and there, some landing in less than ideal planting conditions.  I find many lessons to ponder in this story.  I relate to the soil that is full of thorns that tend to choke out the seed that is sown.  So many times the things of this life, worries and cares, threaten the health of the little seed in my life.  As Jesus explains the parable to his disciples, He says that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11).   

This same Word is active and viable seed today.  In the same way as a garden seed, it is packaged in paper, seemingly lifeless.  But a change happens when the seed is buried in the soil.  Time passes. Water soaks the seed.  It grows. The light warms the soil. On the surface there is no observable change.  But life is moving.  Slowly.  Over time, the seed becomes a beautiful plant, given healthy growth conditions.  

I like to imagine it an Heirloom Seed.  These Words of Jesus are just as capable of producing righteous foliage in my life as they did when He first spoke them.  I pray that each seed planted in my life will find fertile soil, bearing a crop of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in abundance.

Little Eden

Bring out the pickaxe,

Thrust it in this ground. 

Work it to the center,

Every hard and stony place found.

Then rake out the idols 

That litter the soil.

Smooth every rough spot 

However painful the toil.

Then soften the dirt 

with Your very own hand.

Plant all the seeds 

that You had planned.

Light of Your pleasure,

Water of Your delight - 

Nourish each little seed

Sprouting up in Your sight.

Make my life Your garden,

A little Eden view;

Where the angels walk the paths, 

And sing their songs to You.