The farmer glanced toward the lowering sky.  "Looks like rain.  If I plant today, the seeds might wash away."
The next day, he tested the strength of the breeze.  "Wind might blow the seeds right out of the furrows before I get 'em covered.  I'd better wait."
Soon the planting season ended, leaving the overly cautious farmer with empty fields.
A neighboring farmer did not heed the threatening clouds or driving wind, but bent his back to the task.  When harvest time came, his fields were ripe and ready for reaping.
How often have we been given an opportunity to sow the seed of God's love, yet hesitantly backed away?  Perhaps the person appeared contented in their way of life or we decided their mood seemed too forbidding to approach.
Only God knows when an encouraging word or simple act of love will take root and flourish to turn a heart toward Him.  We are only called to sow.  God alone controls the fruitfulness of the seeds.