Looking at our site, you may wonder why leaves. There is a lot I can say about leaves, but thinking about our purpose for this site - Growing and Preserving Families - it becomes very clear that we need to include leaves. Here are a few of my thoughts about why leaves.
1. Leaves are food generators and thus are essential for the growth of the plant. They do this by gathering sunlight, turning this light into energy thus promoting growth. Without the leaves, trees and other plants (or us for that matter) would not be able to survive. The Light of Christ shines on all of us, giving us life. Just like the leaf, we can do our small part by positioning ourselves to receive an increase of this light, adding to the health of ourselves, our family, and our community.
2. Leaves give shade and emit moisture, bringing comfort during long hot days. Drinking deeply from the "fountain of living waters" (1 Nephi 11:25), we, like the leaf, are able "to mourn with those that mourn; .... [and] comfort those that stand in need of comfort...." (Mosiah 18:9)
3. On the flip side, if it is too hot and there is not enough moisture, the small guard cells on the leaves close up, safeguarding the tree from becoming depleted. We have safeguards in our lives that help us know how to remain safe. We need to trust our instincts and impressions.
4. Leaves also pay attention to the seasons, pulling back resources that need to be stored until the winter is over. We also go through seasons in our lives that need to be managed wisely. The interesting thing about this to me is that while doing this, the leaf's true color becomes visible.
As you display or wear your leaf, remember how important and beautiful you are. Give a leaf gift to someone you care about, sharing these thoughts with them also.
