This past Sunday, I sang along with the UUCG Covenant Choir, as I do most weeks. Music is one of my spiritual practices. I love the songs we share, especially when the lyrics express something I deeply believe in or feel inspired by. Our anthem this week was “Trust the Seeds” by Elizabeth Alexander (Seafarer Press). I’d like to share the full lyrics of the song here, since we were not able to perform the song in its entirety:
Trust the seeds, although they lie in darkness
Stirring beyond your watchful eye
Though they may not flower as you dreamed they would
When the planting’s over you must trust the seeds.
Some soon bloom
To fill your heart with wonder
Some only after you are gone
You must give them freedom
To grow as they should.
In your heart, you know that some may wither,
All you can do is hope and pray.
Some will rise up grander than you dreamed they could.
There is joy in planting if you trust the seeds.
This song was written as a reflection by the composer about her children when they were young. Since I am not a mother to children, for me this song represents the relationship between my parents and me, and their dreams for my life when I was little. I am not completely clear on what dreams my parents had for my future, but I can say without a doubt that the seeds of music that were planted in me from a young age have served me well throughout my life. They have opened doors to learning, to fellowship, confidence, and self-actualization. The seeds of love that have been sown between myself and other musicians is one of my life’s greatest gifts.
I can trust that although the Universe has taken me on a round-about trip, where I have landed is right where I belong.
~Jen Garrison
