My Mormon Third Eye: I See... A Beautiful Flower

Sunday, November 22, 2009

I See... A Beautiful Flower

My teenage daughter is beautiful flower. That's the only way I could explain to her the perils of steady dating before she turns 18.

Sure, I could have quoted her

inspired counsel from the “For the Stength of Youth” pamphlet, or from any number of modern-day prophets and apostles. I could have gone into excruciating detail (excruciating for a teen) about how the intense and deeply emotional bonds generated by steady dating are divinely designed connections that God has reserved to keep married couples together during difficult times. I could have discussed about how steady dating between emotionally immature individuals opens an inviting door to sexual intimacy reserved for matrimony. Actually, I did teach all these gospel principles, but I had to do it through the parable of the beautiful flower with one who understands well how flowers grow. This is how God often communicates with us- in ways we can understand.

Beautiful flowers are sweet-smelling, eye-pleasing creations of nature that are meant for many people to enjoy. It is appropriate to approach close to the flower to become more familiar with its beauty and fragrant aroma, but holding the flower by its petals will quickly destroy it. Later on, at the right time, the flower will be cut by the stem and brought inside the house for the exclusive enjoyment of the owner.

I think you know how the rest of the parable goes.

2 comments:

Carson CalderwoodNovember 23, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Nice post. I'm not looking forward to those discussions.
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Richard TaitMay 15, 2012 at 9:09 PM
Anonymous,

You're lucky we won the war in Heaven-- the right to be wrong. That's why I posted your comment although I violently disagree with it. You have the right to be wrong, and you have exercised it.
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The Mormon Third Eye Quote of the Week

"As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church. But we must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Priesthood Session Conference, October 2012

Why My Mormon Third Eye?

When I politely excused myself in the middle of dinner to make a bathroom stop, how did Mom know that I had uneaten peas in my pocket to flush down the toilet? When I came home late from a youth dance and slid quietly into bed to avoid waking parental units, how did Dad know, without looking at the car, that I smashed in the front bumper? When I watch my daughter play a video game, how do I know that she's not ready for her Geometry final?

Its the Third Eye. The notorious eye in the back of the head, the extra view of life that God blesses parents striving to do the right thing so they can see more of life than the children they chase after.

Our third eye also permits us to see things and feel emotions that are too refined, too far on the edge of our standard two-eyed peripheral vision to enjoy in its fullness. I've learned that I have a Mormon Third Eye; that is, as a life-long, fully-dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have unique perspective on how the doctrines of the gospel and the demands of my faith in them intersect every other part of my mortal existence to create the entertaining, self-deprecating kaleidoscope of my life.

So... for those of you bold and bored enough to read this far, every so often I'll be sharing here what my Mormon third eye sees. Third eyes are relatively huge; they see the humorous, the entertaining, the embarrassing, the beautiful, the inspirational, and even the moral and political; however, they tend to ignore the evil, depressing and destructive: there is enough of that in world already!

The Four Secrets to Successful Living

Always Go Where There is Free Food - This includes ward and work parties, wedding receptions and missionary open houses; the money you spend to buy the ingredients for the world-famous triple chocolate cake you bring doesn’t count.
Never Pay Full Price for Anything – See my posts on Black Friday escapades for more information on this.
Never, Ever Press the Red Button - Usually, if you are faced with a red button somewhere, don’t press it – it usually means trouble. For example, the red button launches the missiles. Do yourself a favor and don’t press it.
Any Problem You Face Can Be Solved With Bungee Cords and Duct Tape - Bungee cord and duct tape technology has saved many marriages and ward parties. I’m not just talking about problems with plumbing or keeping groceries from bouncing around the trunk; I know of relationship and family issues that have been solved with creative applications of these two substances.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

I See... A Beautiful Flower

2 comments:

The Mormon Third Eye Quote of the Week

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