Day 24 – Seeds (Yemi Olufolabi)

Planting for the Future

Seeds and Trees – reminds me of one word: Legacy, a sobering word. If you are wired as I am, I get rather pensive with that word. Not bothered, just pensive. Maybe it’s my upbringing and the many years of conversation with my dad. He always spoke of lasting influence. A Chinese saying paraphrased – “there are three ways of living a legacy- write a book, plant a tree or have a child”. I have many scientific publications, you can google my name. They are simply…there. We have planted trees where we live. Every season they come and then they go…No one really notices, maybe occasionally. And then there are the three kids. Now that is different. They go everywhere. They have much influence. They reflect me. I hear stories about them (thankfully, often good reports!) And not just that, but they influence me. I have to live as their example. And what a challenge! They somehow make you a better person as a parent. Strange.

While reading day 24, I wondered who in this country gives lasting impression and influence. I thought of two men, Martin Luther King Jr and Bill Gates. Different era but both with lasting legacies. Bill Gates’ influence probably worldwide. Yet, it is Martin Luther King Jr that seems to inspire. Why is that? I conclude it has to do with two things – conflict and sacrifice. He was in a conflict, prevailed and gave his life for it. That is the stuff of legacy. Giving your life for a cause is certainly legacy. Not holding back. I suppose like Jesus. And we are all called to follow, not be crybabies and moaners.

Mustn’t let the small things hold us back. That is what I got from the story of the sower and the seed. The victory is on the “much fruit”. Every one is given seeds. Not rocks. Who determines this? HE does, our loving PAPA. Its up to me to run with it. Live fully, seek opportunity and strive for perfection. All in him of course. And not allow the small distractions to diminish the great potential accomplishment of a Mighty God in a small man – me.

Its funny how we all go back to our roots. I train young doctors and many on completion talk of returning to their state or living in neighborhoods where family reside. I wonder why? And yet, in the last half of my career, I find myself finding fulfillment in my trips to Africa. Same thing, going back to roots. I think we are all made to influence our families and neighborhoods and communities. Be the light. There seem to be purpose and fulfillment in that. That is why it is so sad when you see believers with little connection to their families or communities or neighbors. What tragedy. They will always be unfulfilled.

Funny statement in the book “There is life in the seed; there is nothing but rock in the pebble” (smile). Both useless outside the ground but plant them and suddenly a difference. In the darkness, comes life. I really hope my life is like that. I always prefer to be in the background, quiet. I feel I serve better. Hidden away from the limelight, yet giving to those I come across – If I do that, I feel I would have achieved his purpose for me. One final thing I got. How do I grow? Simple really, God’s ways usually are: protect your heart, read your bible, pray often, be an example, serve, make sacrifices, recognize you are human and be humble, know the true enemy (Satan), recognize your source of strength (Christ). That is simple…like seeds and trees!