Lasting Impressions

by Shauna Brown 

      Recently we discovered a warm spot in the United States,Arizona. My Christmas gift to husband Rick was a visit to see Rick’s brother and Sister-in-law Cathy.  It has been over eight years since we saw them last, much, much too long. 

       I must admit it was delightful taking long walks in the hot sun, and equally refreshing to walk by moonlight. Oh, what a 

wonderful world we live in. So many things to enjoy, learn about and share.

      While there we were fortunate to attend the Gilbert Arizona Temple Open House. There is something exciting to observe as people, concourses of people, families, walking by the hundreds to the house of the Lord.  I’m sure some of them were just interested in seeing the inside of an LDS temple, while others came to give reverance and respect for such a beautiful gift, a house worthy of the Lord’s blessings.  It was breath taking, every inch was truly an offering of the best craftsmanship, deliberate detail, and colors that rendered peace and tranquility.  

      No one could have missed the motif that was carried throughout the building, that of the native agave plant. By way of artistic talent the motif was found everywhere, from stain glass windows, gold inlays, carpets, vases, and of course agave plants filled the landscape.

     The agave motif was used to signify the influence of one generation upon another. You see, as the agave ages the older leaves create impressions on the upper, younger leaves. They leave patterns for posterity, if you will, becoming a symbol of eternal families.  

It was interesting to me to learn that the agave takes an incredible amount of time before it blooms, and then it only blooms once. So impressions, patterns and examples are critical to the young and growing agave leaves.     

      Immediately my thoughts turned to our Father in Heaven and what impressions he has left upon our hearts, minds, and souls?  How does he want us to live? What characteristics have been impressed deeply- deeply enough that I begin to see, think and feel as He does. 

     We have all heard the comment, “He’s just like his Father, so set in his ways.”  Imagine that if we all looked to God and began to be “set in his ways” - growing and allowing the patterns left upon our personal petals to have place within us. Imagine the possibilities, the confidence, the power, the ability to grow, to become, more than just a budding hope. 

“Too old to plant trees for my own gratification, 

I shall do it for posterity.”--Thomas Jefferson

“Let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near. He is real. He is not only 

aware of us but cares for us. He is our Father. He is accessible to all who

will seek Him.”  ~ Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

    

Enjoy Your Sabbath

Love Always,

Shauna