I wrote about the Parable of the Sower a couple of weeks ago: “Keep sowing seed” was my application since you don’t know where the good soil is. Or, as hockey legend Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Here’s another take on the Parable of the Sower from Sahil Bloom, April 1, 2025. He writes :
This is one of my favorite parables:
A sower went out to sow.
And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.
Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.
Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
He who has ears, let him hear.
– Matthew 13:3-9
This passage offers a powerful reflection on one truth:
Your environment creates your reality.
The same seeds can manifest very different results:
- They fall on the path and are quickly eaten
- They fall on rocky ground and cannot establish a foundation
- They fall on thorny ground and fail to breathe
- They fall on good soil and thrive
Even the best seeds are no match for the worst environment. You can only flourish if you’re planted in the right ground.
Plant yourself in the fertile soil necessary to grow:
- Surround yourself with positive, kind, authentic people
- Invest in mentors who shine a light on your path
- Embrace a growth mindset in all areas
- Set boundaries that protect your energy and peace
- Create space for stillness and reflection
- Remove “weeds” that threaten to harm your soil
Your environment creates your reality. Choose wisely.
–End of Sahil Bloom’s Essay–
That’s really good. And maybe there’s another application:
BE the right environment for others.
Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. (1 Samuel 10.26, ESV)
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.” And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” (1 Samuel 14.6, 7, ESV)