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Matt Woodcock, Church of England Pioneer Minister and Mission Supporter in the Diocese of York:

Ìý

I’m on a mission to prove that Paul, my father-in-law is wrong about me.

I’ve vowed to show him - without his help, feedback or interference - that I am more useful than a chocolate fireguard (to use his phrase).Ìý That I can produce something edible in my own back garden.Ìý So I’m trying to grow my first ever vegetable. A radish. When I announced my intentions, Paul’s look was withering. His eyes rolled. He muttered under his breath.Ìý In fairness, his doubts are understandable. Since I married his daughter, he has become familiar with my ineptitude at simple manual tasks. Ìý

He comes round a lot to hang things up, take things down and sometimes, shamefully, to change lightbulbs.Ìý At times, it’s a source of bristling tension between us.Ìý Paul makes, builds, grows and fixes things with great skill and consummate ease. Trowels, cement mixers and deafening drills are his constant companions.
I remember turning up to his precious allotment plot to ask for his blessing before I proposed to my wife. ÌýHis interrogation didn’t touch upon my financial security, good character or, you know, love.Ìý But whether I could hang wallpaper and mend punctures. And if I knew what a ‘sliding bevel’ does. So a lot’s riding on the health of my radishes.

Yet Paul aside, I long for the satisfaction of knowing that my callus-free hands have actually grown something. That I can be practically useful. Of course, growth is a key Christian pursuit. The Gospels are littered with illustrations from the world of gardening and agriculture. Ìý

Jesus once described faith as like a mustard seed.Ìý Tiny and seemingly inconsequential when first planted. But with the growth potential to perch birds in its branches. One of my greatest joys as a minister, is seeing new life blossom in the unlikeliest of people and places. Ìý

When the distressed or distracted find renewed hope and deep peace. When dormant or broken communities are transformed through the efforts of a faithful few. Christ’s example inspires me to be a spiritual cultivator. Always toiling for inner fruitfulness.Ìý And then seeking to share the spoils with others. I’m certainly praying my radishes will grow.ÌýÌý My father in law has promised to eat one. Then maybe we can share in a little slice of humble pie, too.