The calendar says, "June 1979." I am getting ready to graduate from college and begin a new life adventure. I am meeting with my voice professor for the last time as a student. As we sit in his office, we reflect on the events and learnings of the past four years.
Then he hands me a small, orange, plastic, toy tractor and a packet of seed corn. These are my gifts from him as I leave. Guy (my voice professor) sees the puzzle on my face. He laughs enthusiastically and then begins to explain.
Karen, you are like a tractor in this world. You have a necessary role in this world. Your goal is to "plant" seeds in people, seeds of love and hope and wholeness. Your goal is to help people grow in grace. The problem is that in order for new seeds to be planted and grow, the soil needs to be cut and turned and sometimes that is a painful process. There are times when you confront the people you love with your "tractor" side. You desire to help them prepare the soil of their hearts and lives to grow. Then you stay with them, help bring them seeds and plant the seeds of love and growth and health. There has been pain, but eventually there is a new life that begins to grow.
The tears were streaming down my face and my heart was glowing. From that day on, and for many years to follow, I kept that little toy tractor and packet of seed corn on my desk. At some point they were lost in a move across the country but I continue to keep those images in my mind's eye.
Thank you Guy for seeing me through the eyes of love and grace. Thank you for giving me images that help me live my calling.
I look forward to continuing to share my life, my gifts, and my seed planting with as many people as possible. I also look forward with eager anticipation to receiving and learning from you as we journey forward together.
Peace to you my friends,
Karen
Then he hands me a small, orange, plastic, toy tractor and a packet of seed corn. These are my gifts from him as I leave. Guy (my voice professor) sees the puzzle on my face. He laughs enthusiastically and then begins to explain.
Karen, you are like a tractor in this world. You have a necessary role in this world. Your goal is to "plant" seeds in people, seeds of love and hope and wholeness. Your goal is to help people grow in grace. The problem is that in order for new seeds to be planted and grow, the soil needs to be cut and turned and sometimes that is a painful process. There are times when you confront the people you love with your "tractor" side. You desire to help them prepare the soil of their hearts and lives to grow. Then you stay with them, help bring them seeds and plant the seeds of love and growth and health. There has been pain, but eventually there is a new life that begins to grow.
The tears were streaming down my face and my heart was glowing. From that day on, and for many years to follow, I kept that little toy tractor and packet of seed corn on my desk. At some point they were lost in a move across the country but I continue to keep those images in my mind's eye.
Thank you Guy for seeing me through the eyes of love and grace. Thank you for giving me images that help me live my calling.
I look forward to continuing to share my life, my gifts, and my seed planting with as many people as possible. I also look forward with eager anticipation to receiving and learning from you as we journey forward together.
Peace to you my friends,
Karen
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