Planting Seeds
To illustrate my intent with this post, I’m going to use an example that applied to my personal life recently.
About a year ago I was good friends with a lady named Natalya. We collaborated on a few projects and, as a result, we spent quite a while in voice conversations over the internet voice application “Skype”.
As life continued, and my responsibilities increased to working all hours God sent, I lost touch with Natalya. I distinctly remember her questions about my faith as a Christian. She was faithless; floating through life like a butterfly, unsure of where she will end up or where life will take her next. I would speak to her about my faith, not with any attempt to land a conversion, but to share my life’s experiences and knowledge and to answer her questions. I am open about my life and my faith, and she became increasingly curious about this creature, known as a “Christian”, that she was working with.
About a month ago, we got back in touch. She hunted me down on the Internet (I’m not hard to find) and we caught up. She called me on my new Skype account, and forwent the pleasantries to share with exclaim, “I’m a Christian!”
She explained that our previous chats had left her with much to think about during my time of absence. Not only her, but her husband and mother are also now Christians, and are actively seeking Christ in all that they do.
So, what happened? I had planted a seed. Knowingly or unknowingly, we plant seeds every day. Good ones or bad, we scatter seeds and move on every single day. As organic as seeds are, they sprouted and flourished in my wake.
All of this applies to business. We shouldn’t turn our focuses to converting people, but to planting seeds all around us, with a view to reap valuable, lasting working relationships.
We cannot convert people, just as farmers cannot grow crops. They can, however, plant seeds and give their land love and care, and enjoy the fruits of the land that flourish as a result of the hard work.
Let me ask you this. What seeds are you planting?