Yes the peanut! Start reading your labels; you may find that the lotion, face cream, shampoo, laundry soap, paint, stain, or insecticide in your hand owes its existence to one Mr. Carver’s research. And that’s to mention but a few from the wide range of household products, medicines, cosmetics, beverages and foodstuff that are accredited to his work with the peanut. 

George W. Carver was born of poor slave parents in the late nineteenth century. Growing up he was rather fragile in health. So instead of working the fields, he was assigned housework and gardening duties around the house. The young Carver used whatever extra time he could find to explore the woods and discover the fauna and flora he loved to study. From these beginnings, his love and interest in plant life developed into in-depth studies in botany and agriculture. 

Overcoming the huge obstacles of poverty, ill health and racism, Carver went on to become one of the most sought after experts in this field. By the time he died in 1948, he had joined the ranks of the most influential men in American history. When once asked by a senator how he came by his innovations with the peanut he said “God made the peanut, so I asked Him to show me what to do with it”. God’s answer to his prayer took him places he could not have imagined at the time!

Don’t you just love people who pray prayers like that? I do. Simple prayers, but big with infinite possibilities. It takes an extraordinary person to see extraordinary possibilities in ordinary things. It takes people like Mr. Carver. Such people dream big dreams and embark on impossible tasks. They are motivated and inspired by a desire to make a contribution, to leave a legacy, to make a difference in their society. And yes, they are not afraid or ashamed to lean on a power greater than themselves.

Mr. Carver’s story has several lessons for anyone who yearns to achieve something bigger and greater than themselves.

First, know your gift. People who achieve the most in life are those who know what their gift is and set out to use it. Your gift will usually be something you are able to learn and do with ease and enjoyment. It could also be an opportunity. Discover what that is and then invest time and effort into developing it.  Many people spend a lot of time and money training to prop up weak areas when they could be using it to build their strengths.  Others ignore their gift because it looks small in comparison with other people’s gifts. Borrow a leaf from Mr. Carver, focus on your ‘peanut’ – everyone’s gift has a place of significance.

The second lesson is: Have a right motive. If you desire to achieve great things only in order to build your ego and line your pocket, you will find yourself still unfulfilled and grasping for more when all is said and done. There is great reward that comes from giving - from using our time and resources to make a lasting contribution to other people’s lives. When you begin considering how you might use your gift to add value to others’ lives, you are well on the road to greatness. Mr. Carver was motivated by a desire to help the poor southern farmers of his time improve their economic status. He introduced the idea of crop rotation, as planting cotton only was fast impoverishing the land they so depended on, by depleting it of vital nutrients. But for rotation to work, the farmers needed to be able to plant other crops that would be just as marketable. His work with the peanut, soybeans, sweet potatoes among other crops provided them with that alternative.

Thirdly, see the potential in small things.  Imagine how small the peanut is! And out of it, over three hundred products?! I can’t get over it!  Who could imagine that such a small thing would have so great a potential? Reading Mr. Carver’s work with the peanut, calls to mind the biblical miracle of the feeding of the five thousand.  Out of two fishes and five loaves came food enough for five thousand with twelve basketfuls left over! A little can multiply into immeasurably more than you can imagine when placed into God’s hands.

Which brings us to the fourth and final lesson: Connect to the Creator. He created you and everything else. You can tap into ideas that are inconceivable when you are trusting God for help. His word says “For by Him all things were created:  things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together”.  If you want things to ‘hold together’ and go in the right direction in your life, then consider connecting to God through His son Jesus - the first born of all creation.

I’ve been praying Mr. Carver’s prayer in my own way recently - if you know what I mean.  I’ve been asking for insight on my own peanut.

About The Author: Makena Mwithia has a wealth of writing experience. She is an avid reader and insightful writer, and loves working with children.

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