As a child, I would ride my bike to the church my cousins attended so I could see them. They would sing songs of praise and the pastor would preach. I did not pay much attention to the service, though occasionally something would spark my interest.

As a teenager, I went to a church because I had a crush on a girl who attended it. The girl’s father was very protective. I never became close to her. The preacher was very powerful and captured my attention, although I never made a commitment to God.

Years later, my family started attending a small church near our home. An elderly couple came to us with a welcoming touch of love. They sat near us, explaining what was going on. We decided to return. The preacher was gentle, yet convincing as he delivered his messages. Eventually, we joined the church.

Never underestimate the impact you have on a child, a teen, or an adult, planting seeds that might sprout weeks — or even years — later.

Those seeds you plant might be the seeds that grow into a lifelong commitment to God.