Mark 4:1-8

As I prepare for the second part of my I.C.E (Invest, Connect, Empower) talk tomorrow, I am struck by the mysterious nature of "connection." Connecting people to one another (e.g. community) and to the Church seems to be both intentional and organic. In other words, there is no set formula on how this takes place. I fully believe we have to be strategic, but at the same time I know God is the one who has to establish and make sure they take root.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus seems to address this issue. The farmer is intentional about scattering the seed and he recognizes that there needs to be the right environment if the seed is going to grow and flourish. Yet the farmer really doesn't have any control over the process. The only control he seems to have is that he needs to put the seed in the best possible environment (e.g. a place where there is good soil).

My prayer is that I will be an individual who is intentional about cultivating an environment for my wife, children, and friends where they can connect well with others and with God. I know I am not ultimately responsible for their growth, but I feel like I am responsible about placing them in the best possible environment.