This week I have been pondering the gospel meanings of trees. Trees are beautiful blessings in our lives. They need water, sunlight and good soil. Why did the Father choose to talk so often about trees in the scriptures?
I choose to see that all of life is interrelated. As I ponder trees, and read about parenting for my family relations class, I recognize the image of the family tree! We have roots, ancestors who have helped us grow. They have carved out the earth where we call home and blessed me with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life!
These beautiful peaches are growing in my backyard. They are there because we planted the tree. We placed it near a sprinkler which we make sure is working and watering this tree. What a blessing it is to walk outside for lunch, and pick a juicy peach from the branch.
As
I ponder trees, I note that they serve. They offer shade, refreshment, wood. We
benefit much from the growth that they produce. Trees are not permissive
or authoritative. They are not authoritarian in nature. They just wait
patiently until we decide to come to them. Then they nourish and enrich our
lives.
The
Tree of Life is waiting for us to come and partake.
As
a parent, I hope I am nourishing, enriching. I hope I provide shade and rest
for weary travelers along the path of life.
Unlike
the tree of knowledge of good and evil, I hope that I provide knowledge and refreshment
that blesses not just the physical person but emotionally spiritually and even
intellectually.
Michael
Popkin, creator of the Active Parenting program which I have watched several
videos of this week identified needs of children. He proposes that we all need: Contact and belonging, power, protection,
challenge and withdrawal (occasional breaks from). We were to have a discussion
about these needs, and determine if we agree, and which needs are most
important. We had a deep conversation, and several in the group opened their
hearts and shared their hearts of these needs. I am grateful to know that our
Heavenly Father knows we have these needs. He has provided them for us through
our Savior Jesus Christ! He tried to send us here in Families so we would have
double layers of these needs fulfilled. For some that worked, and they feel
these needs met in their families. For others, that is not the case. I hope I
provide these needs for my children and their children! I am grateful to know
that our Savior will always provide them! We just need to recognize and like
the tree, we need to come to Him! He offers life in abundance! The fruit is
beautiful, satisfying and a delight! I testify that He is there! We felt His
spirit in our group discussion and know that He sent His love to comfort us!
In my Book of Mormon class, the tree relates because we talked about cause and effects outlined in the scriptures. Then we talked about the Voice of Warning offered in the scriptures. We have been so warned that our choices have consequences! If we pick fruit of the wrong tree, we will have to have the consequences! If we choose rather to find ourselves in the great and spacious building, mocking those seeking the tree, we will pay the price!
This
week in Come Follow Me we have studied Alma 30 the Korihor chapter. The world
is so like Korihor today! So many are laughing, mocking those who believe in
God. I know that He lives! I love Him! The cause and effect of mocking those
who believe is not good! They will not come to the tree – something so simple!
We
are in the mist of CoVid spreading in Utah quickly! Yesterday the Area
Authorities of the Church sent a letter to all members asking us to be
responsible children of God and care about others by wearing a mask. I have often
found myself thinking that wearing a mask is not really that different than
looking to the staff in the days of Moses. I am sure they mocked. I am sure
they scorned why look at this serpent? And yet, if they would, they were
healed! We don’t see the healing so dramatic right now, but we do have
witnesses that say that wearing a mask will protect us. Why would we not wear a
simple piece of cloth on our face if it will save me from pain and even death? To
some it is too hard! To some it is a threat to their individual liberty! They
will not conform. Korihor would not conform. He wanted his own way. He wanted
to have costly appearal and worldly fulfillment. He mocked the people of God
and demanded a sign. We have the signs before us! So many!!! Oh be wise! Do not
think that you are beyond the reaches of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Indeed,
all things denote there is a God! He lives!
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What is the purpose of parenting? To help each other, and learn about how hard it is to help other people. To learn to be humble and selfless.
- Is there more than one purpose? Yes! Many!
- Who is affected by parenting? Mostly us as parents! Our children are also affected, for better or worse for all of their lives! We should be very concerned about the long term effects our actions will have on them!
