The Parable of the Flower

Great and marvelous things all have small beginnings. And sometimes it's the small things that hold the most meaning in life. I was planting flowers the other day, thinking about the miracle that all life on earth truly is, and I realized a lot more about these small, colorful plants.

My parents went to the store and purchased flowers. Some had partially bloomed, some hadn't. Some had deep roots that filled their small plastic container, and others left clumps of dirt in the bottom with untapped nutrition and room to grow. They had been planted and nurtured in a well-protected greenhouse, placed in soil especially made to provide the best opportunity for growth and development during those young and crucial weeks. They were watered daily, kept at just the right temperature, and nurtured even before any tiny bud had poked its way through the soil. After they sprouted, they were further cared for daily. With adequate sunlight and regular nutrition, they grew and developed into larger flowers that were more capable of holding their own. Filling up their tiny container, they were sold into the hands of my parents.

They came home, and we planned and spaced out the exact number of holes in our flower bed as we had flowers so not one would be left aside. We made sure they were deep enough and carefully rustled up the roots just like my Grandma says to do. Each flower was carefully placed in its respective hole so not one was injured. We gently pushed the dirt back in around the flowers and tried to make sure no large rocks beneath the roots would impede their growth. Soon afterwards, my little sister came around with a watering can and gave special attention to each flower. My dad set the sprinklers to give them a regular drink, and off they went.

Now, you may think that this simple action of planting flowers holds little significance beyond a pleasant scene and a good-looking yard. But take a look just a little bit deeper. What if each individual flower was each one of us with the wonderful opportunity of being born into the church with wonderful families? Even before we were born, fertile soil and a designated place was being prepared for our arrival in the world. We were set with all the essential nutrients and frequent caregivers to see that we were well taken care of. Nourished at a young age by the scriptures and the company of others in our family, we began to grow. We were sheltered from many of the storms of life, from the wind, the cold, the rain, invaders, and accountability.

After baptism, we became accountable and covenanted to take upon us the name of Christ and bloomed, in a way, showing forth our colors. Further nourished, the roots of our testimony deepened as we increased in physical and spiritual strength and stature. A preparatory period for the future, by our choices we used the time to learn and grow as much as was possible within our small environment. The Lord was preparing us for a great change, a great and mighty work, to be an ensign to the nations.

For many, that time is now.

We have been given so many opportunities to learn and grow and have been blessed to have people watching over us with endless love, as well as a supreme Caretaker which is our Father in Heaven. He knows the world outside is difficult, and has already put us through many tests. Every one of us has the roots of testimony, however big or small. Some have nearly filled their current container, ready for more. Soon, we will be ready to leave our home and go out into the world to be planted exactly where the Lord needs us. He has set forth a pattern in His master plan which we are very much a part of. If, by our choices, we are unable to be planted, there will be an empty space. If we endure the dramatic change which is to come, trust in Him with all the strength we have, and thrust our roots down into the ground with all faith and fervor, we will bloom and magnify our sacred calling. We will find the nourishment we need to succeed in life, reliant upon His still ever-watchful care.

Things will certainly be different. The transition may be rough. We may get bumped around a little bit. The first few nights outside may be chilly or lonely, but we will never be abandoned. If we take in the (sun)/Son's light, feed on the spiritual nourishment that is so freely given to us, and endure to the end, we can make it through the darkest, most difficult trials that must inevitably come as part of the cycle of life. We will become the most beautiful flowers to all who see us, for they will see not our beauty, for the beauty we may have cannot be called our own. It is the Master's beautiful handiwork which is manifest in the very way we live our lives. May we not be afraid in going forth through this change-filled time in our lives, but remember what we have been taught and always remember the Savior's love for each and every one of us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

--I am grateful for all that I have learned this year and for all who have been such a great influence on me by living in such a way that I am showered with the light of the Savior reflected everywhere I look. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. God be with you 'til we meet again!--