ONE DROP AT A TIME

One day many years ago, as I was irrigating, a gentle flow of water filled the ditch and meandered throughout the garden. It was an easy, smooth flow and was quite manageable. The water crept along the dirt and soaked deep into the dried, parched ground. This beautiful little scene lasted only a short time for someone opened the valve at the head gate allowing a massive wall of water to come shooting down the ditch. I was amazed. What had been a gentle flow of water just minutes before was now an angry rush of water. Quickly, the ditch bank over-flowed and became completely washed out. I placed wooden checks throughout the yard in order to manage the gushing flow. Our yard was saved. Unfortunately, the garden of the neighbor was completely flooded and mud was everywhere. What a mess.

Water is very powerful. Even the slightest drip from a leaky faucet can, over time, wear down a porcelain sink. I have seen it happen. I have actually seen rocks which were worn and hollowed from the constant flow of water. Caves have been carved out from water and worn down by the wind. It is all so amazing.

Just as the water and the winds have carved and smoothed the rocks, I, too, desire to be smoothed and polished. My jagged edges need a constant buffing in order for me to become the refined woman I desire to be. It does not happen all at once. It takes a great deal of time.

I have learned that we are smoothed and polished by design. It is our purpose in being here on earth. Over the years, I have had my own collection of rocks, or burdens, which have needed polishing. Thankfully, I have seen refining take place for I am not as quick to judge. I remain silent more often. I feel more pain and suffering in my weaknesses. I see more good in others. I express my love openly more often. I genuinely respect and admire others who at another time may have caused me jealously. I feel compassion and rejoice in the accomplishments of others and feel sorrow for their failures. Yes, I believe that time has smoothed and polished me somewhat.

Sometimes a jut or jagged edge sticks out but I know that through the natural process of rippling, flowing waters that they too will be smoothed and refined. "A river comes from a stream. A stream comes from a creek. A creek comes from a drop of water. (anon.)" That is how the polishing takes place--just one drop at a time--and then a river flows. What are the little drops of water that turn into a creek, and then a stream, and then into a river to polish and smooth our souls? The answer is found in Alma 7:23-24: ...be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need both spiritual and temporal; giving thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. See that ye have faith, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works. (Taken from my personal notes of "Finding Fulfillment.")