The Parable of the Pothos Plant

 We've all heard the parable of the mustard seed, right? Yet how many of us have seen a mustard tree in person? 

Most everyone has seen a pothos even if they don't know the name of this common houseplant. As I looked at the ones in my kitchen this parable came to mind.

In 1989 I took a new position with a company that had received a plant as an office-warming gift: a pothos wound around a lovely piece of driftwood. Eventually the plant was relegated to a windowsill out of view and out of mind. It had been left parched and ignored for a while when I arrived. I took it home because I wanted the piece of driftwood. After removing all the crispy leaves and vines, and gently pulling the wood out of the potting soil, I noticed there was still a small green stem at the base. Though not a green thumb, I decided to give it plant food and water and a little regular attention.

To my surprise, after only a week or so, it had begin to grow, and eventually a leaf formed.  Soon there were more leaves and it began looking like it would survive!

The pot went on my desk and no one could believe it was that old crispy plant. It continued to grow, and soon I was trimming it and re-potting those. By the time I left that office in 1998 there were "offspring" everywhere through the office, plus team members had taken some cuttings home. 

I too had taken newly-potted trimmings home, and when I went to another workplace a pot went there. Sixteen years later many cuttings had been rooted and flourished around that office, team members had taken pots and vases home, and I had even shared 16 feet of cuttings with a company across the hall. 

Right now there are 4 pots here in my home, and have shared many cuttings over the years... these need to be trimmed and the cuttings shared again.

How does this pothos become a parable? 

That tiny shoot of a plant, which might have been missed and tossed away, fought and survived. It needed some attention and encouragement, some food and water. And it has gone on to beautify offices and homes for 36 years. 

So does a small faith. Given encouragement by other Christ followers, fed by Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, that small spark of faith can have far-reaching blessings. First close by, and then as it is passed from one person to another through the years. 

Do you see someone with a little bit of faith? Either a new faith or one that has been neglected? Be an encourager.

Is your faith just beginning? Or perhaps it feels dried up? Look for people who can support you, and above all, turn to the Scriptures to feed you and lead you.

Have plenty? Be sure to share what you have in ways that bring faith and encouragement to others.

A small sprout of faith can grow with the right care.