Once upon a time there was a strong noble servant of the Lord who had many responsibilities. Because of his diligence and kindness many people depended on him to protect, guide and strengthen them.
One late evening when this servant had a free moment, (which didn’t happen very often) he looked out over his garden and noticed how badly the weeds had taken over. Somewhere in the flourishing weed patch were some young beet plants struggling for survival. With determination he decided to tackle the situation head on with all the strength he could muster. With beads of sweat rolling down his face he pulled and tugged at the stubborn weeds, often snapping them off leaving the roots in the hard ground that held to them tightly. Sometimes he would mistakenly grab a tender young beet plant breaking it off before it had a chance to grow and fill the measure of its creation.
The noble servant soon learned that if he was to accomplish this task with his desired results that something had to change. He then soaked the hard ground and took more care in grasping the weeds gently yet firmly at the base of the stalk making sure his pull would also present the root. This method would make it a much longer time before a new weed would appear. As the ground softened and he proceeded cautiously he began to see the straight row of beet plants making their appearance. Although this was very time consuming, he realized it was more of a process than an event but well worth the effort as he was achieving the results he desired.
As the noble servant continued on with patience, hard work and the image in mind of a supper with a dish of tasty beets as the star of the table, he accomplished his task of weeding the beets. With his continued care of nourishing, weeding, and keeping the soil loose and moist, the beet plants will continue to produce delicious mature beets that will bring nourishment and pleasure to many.
There are many lessons we can learn from this parable. We all have a constant need to likewise care for the spiritual garden of our souls. Without constant nourishment and care, harmful weeds of mortality will take over and smother out the goodness in our minds and hearts. I have personally been in such a place. I can testify that the way back is long and hard.
Our Father in Heaven has given each of us the tools to keep us safe. These tools of Faith, Obedience, Repentance and Integrity will serve us well in keeping our Spirits free of disease and corruption. It is never too late to weed our Spiritual Garden. Our Father in Heaven has placed His noble servants on this earth to teach us and guide us. Following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ is our greatest tool against the adversary. Satan will take every opportunity to place barriers (or weeds) in our path!
In these days of uncertainty it is my hope and prayer that we may all have the courage and faith to follow those leaders whom we have sustained and take the time to nourish, cultivate and strengthen our Spiritual Gardens!
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