In a weekly church column usually published in the Medway Messenger , Rev Dr Helen Burn, Vicar of St Justus, Rochester, contemplates how our growth is reflected in nature.

There’s nothing like a homegrown apple, complete with a worm in the middle. Or a caterpillar

crawling along your broccoli just as you are about to put a piece in your mouth…

Like many people fortunate to have a garden, I have discovered the joys of planting things and watching them grow during the months when we have been confined to our homes.

I have shared what I have grown with a whole range of bugs and also with squirrels, who have learned how to pick our strawberries, cherries and pears. Who knew?

Not everything has been a success: my rocket seeds never sprouted, and I didn’t realise I needed to thin the beetroot seedlings, so there are far too many beetroot squashed together, none of which will quite grow into a proper size and shape.

Nevertheless, I have found immense joy and pleasure in tending the fragile seedlings and seeing them become robust plants.

The Bible often uses images of sowing, planting and harvesting to teach us truths about how we live. Paul tells the followers of Jesus in Galatia that what they sow is what they will reap – if they sow seeds of envy and malice in the field of selfishness, they will get a crop which is just empty husks and which will bring no lasting joy.

If they sow seeds of God’s Spirit – love, joy, peace – in the field of the Spirit, they will have a harvest which lasts for ever.

Sowing a seed always feels like an act of faith. We don’t know what weather conditions are going to come along, or whether birds or bugs will prevent the seed taking root and growing. We need that faith more than ever at the moment, as we approach the autumn with no clear idea of what to expect.

Will we be back in lockdown? Is it worth making plans for Christmas? How is life going to look in the future?

There is much that we can’t foresee, but there are ways in which we can continue to respond positively.

During this continued time of uncertainty, perhaps we can consider how to sow seeds among our families and communities which will bring about a good harvest. What acts of support, of generosity, of kindness, can we sow during this time?

The Bible promises that "Those who sow in tears will reap in joy." Through the pain and tears of Covid-19, let’s keep sowing seeds that will bring a better future.

If you would like to find out more about what it means to become a Christian, contact the Churches Together in Medway chairman, Pastor Stephen Bello on 01634 920491 or email rccgvictoriousfamily@hotmail.com. You can also click here .

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