In our Yelahanka Zion, we have some plants at the entrance, including a rose bush, and they are arranged in the same row, growing very well. One day, as we shifted the plants, we put the rose bush at the back where there was no sunlight. Some days later, while all other plants were growing well, the rose bush wasn’t and its leaves fell down one by one even though we put water and fertilizer on it. So I changed the place of the rose bush and kept it in a place where it can receive sunlight.
Due to COVID-19, I could not go to Zion for a few days. After three days, I went to Zion for cleaning. Suddenly, I remembered that I hadn’t taken care of the plants, so I went to water the plants. To my surprise, the rose bush grew well and rosebuds were about to bloom.
I could not understand how the rosebud grew up out of the bush. But then I remembered my school days. For a plant to grow, it needs three things: soil, water, and light. By using light energy, all plants do the work of photosynthesis during the day time and produce their nutrients, so they need light. Light is very essential for the growth of plants. I was happy to see that the rose bush revived and produced beautiful fragrant flowers.
Unexpectedly, a deaconess asked me about one sister. A few months back, one sister went to her hometown because of some problem. I neither understood her mind nor thought to talk to her properly. The deaconess asked me about the sister, but I could not answer her. I felt ashamed of myself and very sad, thinking that I didn’t take good care of her.
I just got home and suddenly I received a call from the sister. Although I felt ashamed of myself, I shared Heavenly Mother’s word with her. Surprisingly, the sister said, “Before, I was in darkness, but now I feel like I’ve come near to the light.”
I was shocked, remembering the rose bush that received light and revived. I asked her for forgiveness and told her that I was sorry. Then she replied, “I love you,” and added, “Although we are far apart, we are one body.” The next day, she kept all the worship services. I was very happy to see that the light of Heavenly Mother revived her soul and made her grow spiritually.
Just as the Bible says, “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him” (1 Jn 2:9–11), I was in darkness; I was spiritually blind. According to Father’s earnest request, “Feed My lambs and take care of My sheep,” it is my gospel duty to take good care of my brothers and sisters with the spirit of sonship. But I am sorry to Father and Mother that I had not been faithful in taking care of my brothers and sisters wholeheartedly until now. However, Father and Mother have led me to the light.
Just as the rose bush can live only when it receives the light, people can receive a new life when they receive Heavenly Mother, the source of light, and listen to Her words. From now on, I will love my brothers and sisters just as God has loved us, and I will carry out my gospel duty wholeheartedly. Father and Mother, please help me love my brothers and sisters just as You have loved me. I give eternal thanks to Heavenly Father and Mother for granting me such realizations.