The Mustard Seed

Gospel
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Mt 13:31-32

Message
Inherent in the mustard seed is the potential for tremendous growth. Though it appears the smallest of all seeds, its destiny is greatness. It simply needs to respond to the elements of nature and live out its mission. The mustard seed will grow up to 15 feet tall!

The sower knew exactly where to toss the seed so its life could fully develop. The mustard seed would flourish for a particular purpose – to serve. The birds would seek its treelike bush for shelter and companionship. Do you ever doubt your potential to lead an extraordinary life? Ever feel a bit insignificant? Remember who sowed you; he knew exactly which gifts you needed, and did not need, to build his kingdom.

Today, guard against comparing yourself to others. You cannot control if someone is more intelligent, better looking, wealthier, more athletic, etc. You can, however, control doing your best. Keep the faith. The mustard seed is destined for greatness. Someone needs you to keep on growing! Kathleen M. Sullivan ’82MA ’87PhD

Don't Fear Failure

“I'm not the sort of person who fears failure.”
- Richard Branson
English entrepreneur
Chairman of Virgin Group

Comfort. Risk.

Both are enjoyable.

One we strive to create. One we try to minimize.

One can make us lazy. One can make us stronger.

When did you last risk failure? When did you last leave your comfort zone?Our challenge...Step out of your comfort zone once more each week and create over 50 additional opportunities for excitement, challenge and possibility each year.
This is what life's about.

It's been said that youth is wasted on the young. By taking risks, we assure life isn't wasted on the living.

Precious Gift

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream.

The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him.

She did so without hesitation.

The traveler left rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.

"I’ve been thinking," he said.

"I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone."

Sometimes it’s not the wealth you have but what’s inside you that others need.