Hoard it or grow it?

One of the best stories I ever heard about wise stewardship was about two sons of a farmer.  When their father died, he left each of them a barrel of grain as an inheritance.

"This barrell of grain is my only inheritance," said the one son.  Because that is all he would get, he chose to hoard it and make it last as long as he could.  He ate a little every day, and did not share any.  Eventually the grain was gone, and the barrell was empty.  The man became a miser.  Not only was the barrell empty, but he was empty.  He became grumpy, selfish, and destitute.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/erlomo/3133001063/

The other son chose to plant his grain.  He put it in the ground and watered it, in the hopes that it would grow and multiply.  It was hard work to plant it and take care of it, and there was a chance that bad weather could ruin it.  But, eventually he had a field of grain.  Each year he grew more and more.  He became wealthy.  He had plenty for himself and to share.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zharcos/4765901000/

Hoarding our resources and slowly consuming them until there is nothing will lead to poverty.  Planting some of them, watering them, and caring for them will multiply them.  When we choose to use what we have as seed to create more, then we choose to be wise stewards.  The most effective way to plant our seeds is in areas we understand and are passionate about...somewhere that we retain responsibility over how they are cared for.

I have nothing to plant, you may think.  What about your talents?  What about your love, or kindness?  What about your thoughts?  Try planting and watering good, positive, uplifting thoughts that will lead to more good thoughts and confidence.  Watch things begin to turn up for you.  Begin where you are, and grow.  We can apply this principle with every resource that we have.  What seed could you plant today?  Be wise, and plant it.