Emulate Jesus Christ -- Post 23: Handpicked by Heaven

By Judy Rix...

I vividly remember our young family enjoying a picnic on the shores of a crystal clear lake at that "golden magic hour" just prior to sunset. My little three - year - old daughter eagerly ran to me with a bouquet of wildflowers she had gathered. The setting sun behind her seemed to engulf her whole body in a halo. Time stood still for a brief surreal moment, a memory that I still fondly envision decades later.

I was inspired to pen the following words as a reminder of that sacred experience.

When God created flowers,

Each one a work of art,

He placed them all throughout the world

To gladden every heart.

The wildflowers in the meadow

Or the heather on the glen

All make the world more beautiful

Than ere it could have been.

There's beauty in a cactus bloom

That's standing all alone.

And a dozen long - stemmed roses

Speak a language all their own.

What could be more beautiful

Than a dandelion bouquet

Brought lovingly to mother

Just to brighten up her day.

The climbing roses at my door

Bid welcome to the guest,

And the honeysuckle's fragrance

Fills the evening air with rest.

The tulips and the crocus

Shout the joy of spring's arrival,

While the marigold's persistence

shows the courage of survival.

Each flower has a purpose.

Not one of them is greater.

A special gift to offer

And designed by its creator.

They bloom where they are planted

To become the best they can.

They were placed there for a reason

In His great eternal plan.

When God created little girls,

Each one a masterpiece,

He knew these flowers would never die.

Their glory would increase.

He endowed them with a spirit,

Each one different from the rest,

Then placed them all throughout the world,

And thus the world He blessed.

To the first He gave compassion

And a gentle willing hand.

To another He gave wisdom

And the gift to understand.

To one is given freely

Gifts of music or of art.

Another finds her talents lie

In tenderness of heart.

Each girl has a purpose

And a role she must fulfill.

Each one given gifts from God

To broaden as she will.

He didn't leave her helpless

Or alone in this great cause.

He provided loving parents

And eternal gospel laws.

If everyone contributes

Something only she can give,

It will make the world a happier

and brighter place to live.

So bloom where you are planted

And become the best you can.

You were placed here for a reason

In this great eternal plan.

By Judy Rix

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Go to the Source -- What Do the Scriptures and Respected Teachers Say?

Feel free to download a copy of this poem: Handpicked by Heaven

"11 Beautiful Flower Analogies Shared in Conference to Get You Excited for Spring"

LDS Living, March 24, 2018