I have a brother who was 5 when I was born. I have another brother who was born when I was 5. This story is about my brother who was 5 when I was born. His name is Richard Christopher Drake, but we call him Chris.
One day, I drove to visit him. I think we were both in our 20s. Chris played the guitar, and wrote music. Every time I would visit, I would ask him to play and sing. On this visit, I was delighted to learn that he had just written a song, possibly even that day. I remember it was VERY new. He was somewhat unsure about playing it for me, as he didn't think it was really "ready" but I am an enthusiastic persuader, and so, ready or not, he shared it with me. It is one of my most cherished memories, not just with him, but ever in the whole wide world, of all my memories. Instantly, it was my new favorite song, and it hasn't moved from topping the charts with me after all these years. I loved the song so much that I begged him to record it as soon as possible, and in the meantime, to write down the words so I could take it with me that night. He did, and it didn't take me long before I was singing his song, Plant The Seeds. It's a prayer and a song, which is a double blessing, and according to Augustine, "the one who sings prays twice" so I guess a prayer song is multiplied prayers!
Chris passed from this life into eternity with Jesus, suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday morning, June 8, 2003. I was 30. He was 35. His mother called me with the shocking news, and I still remember exactly where I was. His wife was 33, his baby daughters, who were born very close to a year apart, were 14 months and 2 months old. He planted a garden that still bears fruit. The Kingdom of GOD never ends.
If I planted a rose bush, I'd soon have roses.
If I planted a vineyard, I'd soon have wine.
I'd have GOD to thank for the increase, but the labor would be mine.
So I hope that on my journey here, I don't waste my time.
If I planted rows of lilies, beauty would be mine.
If I planted wheat and barley, I'd have bread with my wine.
I'd have GOD to thank for the increase, but the labor would be mine.
So I hope that on my journey here, I don't waste my time.
LORD, help me plant the seeds that soon grow to be
Sustenance for all you've given me.
And help me plant the seeds that one day grow to be
Fruit in your Kingdom for all eternity.
If I planted a thorn bush, I'd soon have thorns.
If I planted nothing at all, that would be return.
It is written, I reap what I sow, and the labors they are mine.
So I hope that on my journey here, I don't waste my time.
LORD, help me plant the seeds that soon grow to be
Sustenance for all you've given me,
And help me plant the seeds that one day grow to be
Fruit in your Kingdom for all eternity.
Copyright Chris Drake, shared with permission.
