This flower has been in my thoughts for some time now. When I first noticed it, I thought well that's not going to last long there, because it was growing in the middle of a rock pile on top of gravel, but I let it go to see what would happen. Over the last month I have watched it grow, standing there all alone. Turns out to be one of the most wonderful hollyhocks I have seen.
And for some reason the picture of this lone standing flower kept coming to my mind. Why did it do so well there- why didn't it fade away?-
Then this morning as I was wishing Mason a good last day of school- I had an impression to point out the flower to him-
I had him notice where it was growing- but to also notice how wonderful it looks. Mason, I think there's a lesson here. Think of your life- and what has been hard for you, in a lot of ways you are like this flower. We talked a little about that. {sharing a few personal thoughts} After a couple little hugs- and a couple, Oh Mom exchanges- I say okay one more thing- today as you get ready to leave High School behind and as you start new adventures; always remember this flower and how wonderful it turned out, I believe it became that way because it had to try a little bit harder than most. When things seems impossible for you in the future and they will...just remember our little talk and this flower and how wonderful it was. That will be you.
Mason will be graduating this evening- How exciting for him- He has worked hard and done much- He earned his Duty to God Award- and will receive his Eagle Award soon. We love that he is kind to others, I don't think I've ever heard him speak bad of others and has a positive attitude about life. Mason received the honor of being known as the student who is most likely to give you the shirt of his back and go out of his way to be kind to you, - {just bragging a little}
One day Mason came home from school with this question- Mom, why is it that when someone has everything, friends, smart, good looks, and can play sports- that they are mean to people not like them?
It is sad I know when people with so much bring down those with so little-.... later that day I also found this quote in President Hinckly's book, Way to Be, that pretty much answered the question.
" I am suggesting that we look for the great good among those with whom we associate and live, that we speak of one another's virtues and positive qualities more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism,and that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and tended to be critical of others, my wise father would often say, "Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do no achieve. Be humble. Don't be arrogant. The world is full of arrogant people. How obnoxious they are!"
Mason we are so very pleased with all that you do- Have a Happy Day- And thanks for being Positive about your Life. You Are wonderful.
