The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree…”
Matthew 13:31–32
As a grandparent I am always amazed at how quickly grandchildren grow.
Even when visits are only a week or two apart, it can feel like we’re meeting a whole new child each time, hearing new words, watching new skills emerge, seeing a spark of confidence that wasn’t there before, and witnessing their personalities evolve.
In those earliest days, the changes are often hidden. But over time, these small, almost invisible moments build on one another and before we know it, the growth is so significant that it catches us by surprise.
Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God works in much the same way. The small acts of love, kindness, and faithfulness we offer each day like a gentle word of encouragement, a thoughtful conversation with a student or colleague, or a quiet prayer for someone in need, might seem ordinary or go unnoticed in the busyness of school life. Yet God takes these small seeds and, through His grace, grows them into something far beyond what we could imagine.
A simple expression of faith can become a testimony that inspires others. A single act of kindness can touch hearts. A quiet prayer can help move mountains we never thought could be moved.
As we journey through the second half of this term, let’s treasure these “mustard seed moments”. Even when the impact isn’t immediately visible, let’s hold onto the promise that God is always at work – gently, patiently, and powerfully nurturing growth in us and in those we serve.
May we find hope and encouragement in knowing that, in God’s hands, even our smallest efforts can lead to something extraordinary.
Steve Sanders
Project Operations Director
Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA
