I’ve been thinking about this for a few weeks and debating about posting. Today, my friend John L Moore posted, “those people who tried to bury you didn’t know you were a seed”. That’ll definitely preach.

Someone needs to see this today. No one likes to be rejected and humiliated. But small people with little minds have no idea what they set in motion when they snubbed you.

You are a seed that in due time if carefully nurtured will grow roots deeper than theirs. And you’ll be called upon to be gracious and generous even though they weren’t. You will do it if bitterness doesn’t overcome you.

You don’t fit in because you aren’t supposed to. Your destiny is different than theirs. You’re a round peg, they’re a square hole. You shouldn’t be comfortable in their company, because if you were, you’d never make it where you’re headed. Before long, you’ll glance over and see them in the rearview mirror.

When I was in elementary school I ran smack dab into the scorn of a pack of mean girls. One snippy little miss announced to our circle that she was planning her birthday sleepover (and inviting everyone but me). That hurt, but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of knowing. I smiled and joined in with the others, trying to convince a parent her daughter should be allowed to attend. They meant to bury me. But I was a seed. I don’t remember her having the party, and today, I don’t see a single one of those mean girls anywhere – not even on Facebook.

Then there was a time when I was rejected by small minds, little people who were born and raised in a small community (because I wasn’t). They buried me in a little box labeled, “not from here, not one of us”. Ultimately, that so offended kinder, gentler, more perceptive folks, other newcomers, and the press, that I was elected to office with 68% of the vote. My seed sprouted and my roots went deep.

Who’s trying to bury you today? Who’s trying to make themselves larger by making you smaller? Breathe deep and smile. Don’t let them see they’ve wounded you. Concentrate on things that nurture your seed.

Though it looks like they’re the entire harvest, they’re not. Focus on your potential. Don’t for a minute accept boorish treatment as an indication of your worth. That’s not who you are.

You’re better than that. They’re not. You’re a seed, you’ll grow strong roots. Their foliage is all above the ground now, but it won’t be long before you’re the last one standing. Your roots will persist.

And to those small minded, little people, you’d be wise to grow up. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Because some day you won’t be all that anymore. You’ll need a hand from someone who has really deep roots.

And the person you’re trying to bury is a seed.