CONSIDER USING MUSTARD SEEDS IN THIS WAY

Mustard Seeds

Even if you never make pickles or mustard or potato salad or any recipe that calls for mustard seeds, you might want to keep a jar of them in your pantry.

Why? Well, let me tell you why I do.

Despite many wondrous life experiences which have cemented my trust in God and in the goodness of life, there are times when something shakes me to my core, and I feel deeply confused, stressed and depressed. Even if I don’t question the presence and power of God and the goodness of life, I question me.  And I hurt.

First, I just let it be: the pain of this common human suffering.

Then, I consider my collection of inspirational touchstones. Some quote, affirmation, image, metaphor, or story is likely to emerge in front of all the others and call for my attention. No matter which touchstone that is, as I “hold” it in my mind and heart, I feel enriched and uplifted, at least a little.

Next, I go to my spice rack and find a particular jar. I open it. Onto my opened palm I drop one tiny seed… a mustard seed. I hold that seed and recognize that, however small it may seem at the time, I do have faith.

Sometimes I do this even when I’m feeling full of hope and joy. Many mornings, with a mustard seed in hand, I set an intention to act with faith during the day ahead. Sometimes I bite into the seed, intending to truly taste the power of faith. On one occasion I sprinkled some seeds onto a custard cup of soil, watered those seeds, and watched them grow.

I haven’t yet used mustard seeds in food preparation. One of these days I just might cook with them. In the meantime, I keep a fresh jar of mustard seeds just for this purpose… to remind me: “I do have this gift of faith in me. Always. No matter what. We all do.  And with it we can move mountains.”