Practicing Recklessness

I have been practicing recklessness.

Intentionally.

For about three weeks now.

This is an aftereffect of a message I heard from OKC First Church Pastor, Jason Smith.

His message was on the Reckless Love of the Sower from Matthew thirteen.

As the story goes, there is a farmer, the Sower, "scattering seed."

Some seed falls on the path, some on rocky places, some in thorns, and some on good soil.

The story continues and has been the subject of many sermons and lessons.

Often on the virtue of being good soil.

But Jason focused his attention on the Sower.

And it really resonated with me.

It took root.

I've been imagining the picture of this farmer, "scattering seed."

Just throwing seeds wherever he happened to be with the seeds landing in all directions.

In my imaginings, I can see see the farmer's path.

By following the trail of seeds and seedlings left in his wake.

Here are some young plants taking root.

He must have been here.

He must have thrown some seed here.

And there are a few more over there.

That must have turned his attention there.

Then more plans, further ahead.

He must have gone there next.

Everywhere he walks, he throws seed.

And everywhere he goes, he is

scattering seed.

Recklessly.

And the seed is taking root.

Parables are interpreted by the listener. And the clever story-teller scatters seeds to those of us his path. If we're paying attention, that story impacts us and takes root. This particular seed was planted June 13, 2021. 84 days ago. Plenty of time for that story to take root. Plenty of time for things to start happening deep within me. And it did. And it does. So for a few months, I've been thinking about that message. And for a few weeks, I've decided to put intentional action into those words. My goal has been to practice recklessness. Like that of the Sower.

Reckless love.

Reckless forgiveness.

Reckless compassion.

I've decided I don't have time to focus on anything but love, forgiveness, and compassion for others. And I've decided that I don't have time to worry about how the love, forgiveness, and compassion is received or not. And I've decided I don't have time to dwell on the consequences of my love, forgiveness, and compassion. I've decided to be at peace just scattering seeds and taking one step at a time. Practicing recklessness like that of the Sower.