Transformation

Every day, I go out and look at the ground. I stare at the tilled soil inside my fence, but it looks no different today than it did yesterday. I planted the seeds, but nothing seems to be happening. Is this working? Did I do it wrong? Were the seeds not right? Did the snow kill them? Did I labor in vain?

I vaguely remember some elementary school text book teaching me about the germination process. If I put the seed into an environment of tilled soil, ample water and sufficient nutrients, it will come alive, send down roots, and push a sprout through the dirt, reaching for the sun.

Supposedly. I can’t see it. I can’t really dig up the ground and check; that would probably disrupt the process. I just have to trust that this process is taking place.

Trust, and add water. As soon as the seeds are in the ground, I hook up the hose and soak the planted area with water. Every day. Nothing happens without water. Nothing happens without prayer. Nothing happens without God. Even if I can’t see it while it’s happening. I have to have faith that God is transforming that seed in secret. It reminds me of my Christmas sweater.

In the late ’90s, I saw a sweater that read, “Dear Santa, I want it all!” I loved it! So funny, so fun! After Christmas, I went to the store and bought one, packing it away for the next year. Over that year, God really challenged me on my finances; where was I spending my money and why. He challenged me to distinguish between need and greed. I don’t remember any “Ah ha!” moments or blinding lights, but when I unpacked that sweater the next year, I found it disgusting! So greedy, so gross! In secret, without even my own knowledge, God had transformed me.

But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Transformation does not occur through the constant barrage of media, my tireless pursuit of entertainment, or my endless activities. Sometimes I think these things prevent me from considering that little seed of my authentic self. It is only when I spend time in quiet, with God in secret, that He can transform the little seed of me into a better me. It is only when I expose this little seed, in all of its ugliness, to my loving savior that He can transform it. It is only when I spend time with Him that He is able to make me more like Him.

And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Because transformation happens underground, in the quiet, undisturbed soil of my soul. The seed needs an area safe from predators and the elements to first break open its hard shell and expose the fragile tendrils within. The emerging plant needs some undisturbed time to allow its roots to search out the depths before it can think about surfacing. And even then, the transformed seed needs to mature a little before it pushes through the soil to expose itself to the world.

And what a glorious moment that is! Those first little sprigs of sugar snap plants bursting through the ground. Wow! There is joy in every single one of them. Don’t you think God is just as joyful when we allow ourselves to be transformed into all He created us to be?

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7

So trust in the transformation. Put the little seed of yourself into God’s hands. And the God who sees in secret will reward you in secret.

Betsy

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Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10