Another parable He put forth to them, saying, "The kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."  Matthew 13:31-32

When I think of mustard seed it is usually what is spread on a corn dog, dipping chicken in, spreading on a sandwich and making deviled eggs.  I did a little research about a mustard tree.  I learned a few things, did you know that the mustard tree is very edible?  One can eat the seeds, roots, fruit and leaves.  You can even use it for medicinal and beauty treatments too.  The seed is only about 1 to 2 mm long.  Which would make it ......in plain ole English, very small.  This has always been a faith parable to me.  Sunday school teachers and preachers taught and teach that if you have the faith of a mustard seed you can do mighty things.  When studying this verse and tree, letting God work in and through us, came to mind. 

Sometimes we think we are small and can't make a difference.  But consider this mustard seed Jesus talked about.  The tree can grow to 20 feet high and encompass about the same width.  The branches grow low to the ground.  It has many uses:

1.  It's branches can be used for toothbrushes due to ingredients that resist bacteria and plaque.

2.  It's fruit is edible and contains many nutrients.

3.  It's leaves contain nutrients like vitamins A and C.  It has the taste and texture of spinach. 

4.  Provides shade for human and animals alike and provides homes for the birds.

5.  It can provide health benefits like:  improve digestion, helps to get rid of hiccups,helps to get rid of acid indigestion, is a fever reducer due to increase of sweating, it boost metabolism, improves circulation and is a natural laxative.

6.  It can be an insect repellent.

7.  It can be a hair conditioner.

8.  It can be made into a healing paste you can put on your skin. 

This little seed can benefit so many with it's numerous uses.  Kinda like the Apostle Paul, he still teaches us today, though he has been dead for many, many years.  If I were more like this mustard seed and willing to let God have every area in my life and not just a choice few, who might He be able to touch through me?  What might He use me for and in what manner?  It is kinda exciting to think about those possibilities and also a little scary.  He never said that this life would be a "bed of roses" but He did say He would never leave me or forsake me.   

If I were more like this mustard seed.....