‘God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.’ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
The farmer pours caramel smooth coffee from a bubbling pot on the stove as the early morning sun dances peace over the kitchen tiles. He pulls on beat up leather boots that fit like slippers and slings a canvas bag full of rich golden seed for the sowing over his broad shoulder. But this is no ordinary seed and this will be no ordinary sowing.
A fine mountain mist clings to the rocks and the wild grass and the few brave flowers that wait for the sun like an audience waits patiently for music. Waiting, as the farmer whistles an old gospel tune and walks softly by to the place where he has chosen to scatter his seed today. His canvas bag is plump with anticipation, overflowing with possibilities, seed rich golden glowing, and the very stuff of life, all bated breath and excitement at what will be.
It is time. And time quietens to listen as the golden life rich seeds scatter and fall, spinning, swooping, and diving to the place where they will rest. Where they must rest. Some of the golden seed falls on the rocks, some falls on the road, and some falls amongst thorns. Rich golden life is devoured greedily by birds who lie in sharp clawed wait for the farmer, seed lies forgotten and trampled by feet who refuse to walk softly, thorns choke the very life out of the glowing, the overflowing.
"Tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. And a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." Agnes M. Pharo
The farmer sows with tenderness despite knowing that many will miss the overflowing. He sows with the intent that every path may lead to shalom, real peace.
Shalom: completeness, wholeness, health, peace, tranquility, fullness, rest, and the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid.
He calls shalom from the good earth that has made ready to receive. He calls real peace from the good earth; where the seed that he has saved until last, this seed will flourish. As the rain and sun sweep over the mountain in rainbow bands, this seed nestles, refuses to give, and grabs hold of the abundance that lies within. This is no ordinary seed, this is shalom.
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26, NIV
He believes in you.