Daily Bread October 30

Growing Strong
Elaine Truex of Wakarusa, IN, USA


Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9

We planted a small but beautiful redbud tree in our yard. We chose it with care. This variety has a reddish-purple tint giving it color all summer and the little flowering red buds in the spring. We took care to talk with the owner of the nursery about how to prepare the soil. We wanted to know how big the hole should be and how much to fertilize it. We asked how much water it should have. When all our questions were answered, we tenderly took our new tree home. We planted it, cultivated it, and watched it grow. While we were on a trip, a storm came, and the little tree was tugged and pulled until it leaned in the direction the wind had blown. My son-in-law gently did his best to straighten it. Then he tied it to a post. It remained tied, safe and secure, until it grew strong enough to withstand any future winds. Today it brings us joy each spring with tiny red buds and reddish-purple leaves. Chosen, cultivated, and secure, our little tree prospers.

We, too, are chosen by God. In tenderness He woos us to come to Him. We believe. We are cultivated by the truth in His word and our trust in Him grows. Storms come and shake us, so strong that we may even end up just a little off balance. But God tenderly comes to us, allowing us to see He is our strength. He ties us tight to Him; we are secure. He gives us unconditional love and grace to grow strong in every season of life; chosen, cultivated, and secure.

Prayer Phrase

Let gratitude show you the way (Doctrine and Covenants Section 165:2b).

Spiritual Practice

Gratitude

Gratitude is an important spiritual practice that invites us to see all of life as a gift. We give thanks for our breath, the food we eat, people we love, and all that we have that truly matters. We remember that we are connected and sustained by a web of relationships with creation, God, and other people. Take time each day this month to practice giving thanks and to consider-for what am I most grateful?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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