By Kim Prieto
This morning, as I sat with my journal and asked God what I needed to release, Matthew 13 rose gently to the surface.
I wrote:
“This morning, I feel like a dry, wilted plant—trying to root in rocky soil, surrounded by weeds, and exposed to unpredictable weather. But even in all that, my roots still feel strong.”
It wasn’t poetic. Just honest.
Not thriving—but still anchored.
And that’s where this reflection began.
The Seed Isn’t the Problem
Truth is still being spoken.
Love is still being offered.
But our hearts aren’t always ready to receive them.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus reminds us that it’s not the seed that determines the harvest—it’s the soil.
And maybe the invitation isn’t to bloom perfectly, but simply to be ready.
🌱 1. Clear the Clutter
Growth starts by making space.
The distractions, the resentment, the noise, the need to prove—these are the weeds and thorns that choke grace before it can take root.
Sometimes readiness looks like:
- Saying no to noise
- Naming the emotion underneath the striving
- Letting go of the pressure to do it all
🌿 2. Soften the Soil
Hard ground can’t receive living water.
God never forces us to grow—He waits for our hearts to soften.
One of the most powerful prayers I know is also the simplest:
“Lord, soften what has grown hard in me.”
💧 3. Water It Daily
Even good soil dries out.
The heart needs rhythm—quiet, scripture, rest, beauty.
This doesn’t mean long hours or perfect routines.
It means opening the soul a little each day.
Letting grace soak in.
✨ 4. Welcome the Gardener
We don’t bring the increase. God does.
Our work isn’t performance—it’s openness.
And sometimes, being “good soil” just means being willing.
To yield. To trust. To rest.
🦋 A Pocket of Beauty
Later that morning, I stepped outside and saw this butterfly in my garden—resting on a dill plant that looked just as weary as I felt.
Still alive. Still serving its purpose.
A reminder that beauty doesn’t always bloom in perfect conditions.
You don’t have to be thriving. You just have to be open.
One small moment at a time.
💬 “I Am” Statements for the Soil-Ready Soul
- I am good soil—soft, open, and ready for God’s truth to take root in me.
- I am a vessel of grace, offering others the gentleness God gives me daily.
- I extend grace freely, knowing it flows from the abundance I’ve received.
- I respond with compassion instead of control, trusting grace to do its work.
- I am cultivating a heart that receives, not resists.
📖 A Closing Prayer
Lord, clear my clutter,
soften my resistance,
water me with Your presence,
and help me welcome You as the faithful Gardener of my soul.
Make my heart good soil.
Ready. Open. Rooted.
Amen.
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