To My Children
I have come from Sacrament meeting with Grandpa and Grandma. In one of the talks given the women mentioned a common Haitian phrase that means “little by little the bird builds its nest.” It reminded me of something I read in my book As A Man Thinketh/Eight Pillars of Prosperity while eating breakfast this morning. I actually had the book with me in church and picked it up to reread the passage and as I did I realized that it was something I wanted to share with my family. So I am doing that now before I get on the road to St. George.
“A hundred yards away is a tall tree in the top of which some enterprising rook has, for the first time, built its nest. A strong northeast wind is blowing, so that the top of the tree is swayed violently to and fro by the onset of the blast; yet there is no danger to the frail thing of sticks and hair, and the mother bird, sitting upon her eggs, has no fear of the storm. Why is this? It is because the bird has instinctively built her nest in harmony with principles which ensure maximum strength and security.
“First a fork is chosen as the foundation for the nest, and not a space between two separate branches, so that however great may be the swaying of the tree-top, the portion of the nest is not altered, nor its structure disturbed; then the nest is built on a circular plan so as to offer the greatest resistance to any external pressure, as well as to obtain more perfect compactness within, in accordance with its purpose; and so, however the tempest may rage, the birds rest in comfort and security.
“This is a very simple and familiar object, and yet, in the strict obedience of its structure to mathematical law, it becomes, to the wise, a parable of enlightenment, teaching them that only by ordering one’s deeds in accordance with fixed principles is perfect surety, perfect security, and perfect peace obtained amid the uncertainty of events and the turbulent tempests of life.”
This analogy motivates me to embrace my testimony of truth, my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are principles which govern the gospel. Just as the bird followed natural instinct and obeyed mathematical law, so we must be obedient to the principles of truth.
I recognize that each of you will come to your testimony through your own process but I also recognize that I have the privilege of being the mother of children who know and recognize truth. I believe in you and await the day when all six of you will embrace eternal truths. There you will find, as the bird sitting in her nest, perfect surety, perfect security and perfect peace.
I love you all. See you soon.
MOM
