May 2006 Discussion Questions

Adults

When was the last time you received a gift for which there was “some assembly required” before it could be used and enjoyed? Did you do what was necessary or set it aside?

Stewardship means the grateful reception of God’s gifts and the responsible use of them. Have you received gifts or talents from God that you “keep meaning to develop,” but haven’t quite gotten around to doing it yet?

“We reap what we sow,” said the mother in this story – and that can be positive or negative, depending on whether we sow flower seeds or weeds! How have you seen this truism reflected in your life or the lives of people you love?

Teens

The daughters in the story acted very differently. One tossed the seeds aside because they seemed to require too much work and time. The other one went to work right away to plant the seeds. What would you have done if you had received this gift?

Did you ever receive a gift you didn’t like, couldn’t use, or didn’t have time for? What was it? What did you do with it?

The title of the parable is “See the flowers in the seeds.” What gifts or talents (seeds) have you received from God that haven’t flowered yet? What are you doing to help them grow and develop?

Children

Did you ever get a gift that was just perfect? What was it? Who gave it to you?

Did you ever get a gift you couldn’t use or didn’t really like? What was it? What did you do with it?

This month we celebrate Mother’s Day. What is one nice thing your mother, your grandmother, or your favorite teacher has done for you lately? Do or say something special to make sure she knows that you are grateful – maybe say “thank you,” make her a card, or say an extra prayer that God will bless her!