Turning Toward the Light

 

The flower seeds that I had planted last spring in my house had grown nicely and some were ready to plant outdoors.  However, a few young plants had grown and turned away from the light source necessary to strengthen their growth. Their root structures weren’t as firm as the others plants and they would die if I put them out into the sunlight now. 

I didn’t want to lose the plants that I had tried to grow, so I carefully dug them up, replanted them in pots containing fertile soil, and turned them toward the light.  It seemed like a simple thing to do, but some of these seedlings continued to turn away from the light. 

Again, I turned these plants toward the light, but this time I discovered that they needed more soil to support them to grow straight and remain turned toward the sunlight.  A few of the first batch that I had turned toward the light had withered and died.  I attributed this disappointment to my lack of gardening experience and hoped that I could save the remaining bunch of flowers.

As I labored with my plants, I thought of how this effort is similar to patiently raising children, serving the youth of the Church by understanding their various spiritual needs, or by patiently obeying a parent’s tender counseling. 

Thoughts of my own childhood rolled through my mind as I recalled the many youth leaders who patiently stood by my friends and me and inspired us to read the scriptures and keep God’s commandments. 

I remembered the temptations I faced as a young boy growing up in Las Vegas and the inspired seminary teachers who influenced many to turn toward the Light of God.  I recalled some of my friends, who had gone to Vietnam and didn’t return home. They had received a good gospel foundation and learned to turn toward the light, and I was positive that they remained in that light.

No matter what happens to us in life, we will always turn toward the Light of God if we will try to study the scriptures, to pray, and then try to be kind.  When we think as if we can’t do what we know we should do before God, remember that God is the Master Gardener and He knows how to turn us all toward His light if we ask.  We are His children and He loves us.

We are not alone in our efforts to live His commandments.  His love and through our obedience to his commandments, will help us get back on the right path.  Our faith that He is the Master Gardener and is able to turn us toward His Light will nourish our lives so that we can all return to Him.  

Tags: Obedience RuntoTomorrow Pray Repentance FaithYouth

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