A child sits alone in a garden. Her flawless face showed the trails of scalding tears and her eyes held a look of utter sorrow. In her hand she tenderly holds a dieing flower. Her body shakes in anguish, bathing the flower’s colorless petals in fresh tears. So absorbed was she in her sorrow, she did not notice the figure making his way towards her shaking form. His bare feet made no sound as he walked through the beds of wildflowers, but as he stood before the tiny form, the little child peeked up through her tangled hair. With tears flowing from her pure eyes, she extends the flower towards the stranger, her entire being pleading for the flower’s life. Smiling, the man tenderly held the flower, caressing the petals with his calloused hands. He then gently placed it on the bench. As the girl reached for it once more, the man shook his head. Taking the child by her hand, he lead her away from the resting place. When the girl stopped and glanced wistfully back at the flower, the tenderhearted stranger gathered the lass into his arms. He whispered through her flowing hair, soothing the child’s heart. He held her then, looking intently into her eyes. The couple standing among the flowers. After a few moments of quiet silence, the child slowly nodded, then laid her precious head upon his strong shoulder. As such, they walked deeper into the garden. Every so often the man would stop, and admire one of the regal violets or rejoice in a new rose bud. Everything was so wonderful and special to the man. Every petal, every root, every stem was a precious gift, one to be awed and revered. As the little girl watched from her perch, her depressed countenance changed. A smile formed on her lips and her eyes shone with glee and wonder. She suddenly lept from his arms and disappeared between two trees. Following the young child, the man discovered her standing in wide-eyed amazement. Before her stood a small but proud tree. It’s trunk was twisted and strong, and its leaves were as delicate as lace. Decorating the tree was an emporium of flowers that out shone the brightest colors. The man once again approached the girl. Kneeling before her he whispered, “Dear one. One thing may be destroyed, but look around. How many more things are there to rejoice in? Your little flower is gone, but before you stands a new beginning. Never forget this.” He whispered a few more words of love then retreated into the trees and shadows beyond. The little girl stood a moment gazing after the stranger, but then turned to the tree and smiled. Skipping back through the garden, the child stooped to smell the gardenias or caress the saplings, rejoicing in the gifts. She soon found herself at the beginning of her journey, the very bench where she left with the Man. But she found the bench surprisingly occupied. A little boy sat trembling, holding a dieing flower. She approached the child and lovingly took his hand. She then lead him through the garden, telling him all she learned from the man and the flowers.
1 Chronicles 22:19
1 Chronicles 16:10
1 Chronicles 22:19
1 Chronicles 16:10
