I remember less than a year ago seeing Maria heading over to the stair climber. I thought to myself, "she is in great shape, let me try the stair climber too." A few days later, this same girl began following me on Instagram. We began exchanging a few words at the gym and after posting a blog prior to the New Year, she approached me to tell me how grateful she was for my honesty. I didn't think twice before wrapping my arms around her for a massive bear hug. (I had no idea at the time, she wasn't a hugger.) 

A few months later, we met for coffee, we talked about the season of life we were walking in, what we did for work, and what we had been learning along the way. I didn't know anything about her up until this cup of coffee. I had no idea what she had walked through, the loss she had seen, and the battles she had faced. Not knowing where my invitation would go, I knew I had to invite her to church.

She doesn't know, (well she does now) but my palms were sweating. Inviting people to encounter Jesus, whether they know Him or not, is really intimidating and I was nervous. In fact, I had to count myself down. So as I made it, 3-2-1, I took a deep breath and said, "you should really check out my church sometime!" I remember her looking down at her coffee mug and saying, "yeah, maybe sometime" and the conversation stopped there. 

For the first few months after this cup of coffee, she always had something on Sunday. Rather than dropping it, as many of us do when we feel discouraged. Week after week, I just let her know, I'd be there and whenever she could make it, I couldn't wait to see her. 

Twelve Sundays went by after that cup of coffee and three months later, Maria walked in. Since that Sunday, I can count on one hand how many times I HAVEN'T seen her. She's dedicated, involved, and transforming. Most days, it's her pushing me to listen to something new, read something different, or think of life in another way. I've watched her become raw, humble, and open. Setting down her stair climber headphones and picking up life-changing books instead. 

But this story isn't about me and it's not even about Maria. There is a deeper meaning behind our friendship that lies in the purpose of planting. It's easy, in a world full of hurt, to shy away from talking about The Healer. We say things like, "I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable" and "I don't want to offend anyone",  in order to avoid introducing others to a Sovereign God who "restores us back to health and heals all of our wounds." (Jeremiah 30:17).

But this is what I have learned, a seed can not grow if it is never planted and many seeds that have been planted have been drowned with judgment, criticism, and fear.  God has made our job simple. Plant a seed and then water it with invitation, kindness, patience, and acceptance. Trust that God will provide every seed with the nutrients, circumstances, and time that it takes in order to grow. It may take hours, weeks, months, years, or even decades before a seed begins to take root but rest assured, it will. (Galatians 6:9)

The glorious thing about the assignment that The Lord has given us is that the timing is not ours to foster. We can be still and know (Psalm 46:10) that because there is a time and a way for everything, (Ecclesiastes 8:6A) that when a seed that has been planted, is ready to grow, it will. So, the pressure is off. Take root in His goodness and His grace. Don't let your heart be troubled and don't be afraid. (John 14:27) He is making everything beautiful in His time.  (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Consider this your official invitation to plant more and worry less.