The Geneva that I am today has been affected by the molding pressure of innumerable fingerprints. There are countless influencing factors that impact an impressionable young creature who tiptoes on the very threshold of adulthood. Every interaction, experience, and piece of instruction is like the scattering of seeds on verdant soil. It can be exceedingly difficult to prevent the weeds from taking root along with the roses. That is why it is so essential for new land to be surrounded by gardens —gardens that overflow with the most beautiful of blossoms. These bountiful flower beds will ensure that the proper seeds are transferred to the rich, brown earth of a youthful soul. 

How over-sentimental sounding can you get? That opening paragraph was (believe it or not) my initial response to a prompt on a college application. I don’t know if this is just me, but I think it sounds more like and excerpt from Anne of Green Gables than an application. From the moment I first re-read it, I knew that it would have to be completely revised. But hey, instead of totally trashing my little waterfall of cogitations, why don’t I use it for a blog post (where I can allow myself more freedom of thought)?

The idea that our lives are like a garden really appeals to me. We are planted, we grow, we blossom, we bear fruit, we wither, and then we eventually die. The beautiful things in our life spring from the “seeds” that are originally produced by other “gardens.” Likewise, we must cultivate seeds that will eventually germinate in other peoples’ gardens. What a beautiful cycle! Not only is the process itself beautiful, but the results are beautiful. Think of the wholesome vibrancy of a rose bush bursting with blooms! Think of a delicate sprig of velvety pansies! These things are nothing compared to the fruits of virtue that grow up in the metaphorical garden of our heart: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I am so thankful for the beautiful “gardens” (the people) that have surrounded me and helped me to grow in any way that I might have grown. I think specifically of my family, and most especially my beloved mother and sisters, who have set such a wonderful example for me and planted so many seeds in my life.

One of the beautiful seeds that my sisters have planted in my life is modesty. At a young age, I made the decision that I was going to dress myself with dignity, even if it meant that I was going to look a little different from other people. This choice was a direct result of my three older sisters’ decisions to wear modest clothing. They helped plant the seeds of modesty in my life, and by God’s grace, those seeds have blossomed and will continue to blossom.

My hope is that God will use my life in the same way that He has used my sisters’ lives; I desire to plant seeds of modesty (and other virtues) in the lives of those whom I encounter. And that is the main reason why I’m writing this blog post! I know my feeble efforts are far from perfect. But, as I explained in my first blog post, something worth doing is worth doing imperfectly. God uses our humblest offerings to communicate His truth.

The lovely girls in these pictures are two of my sisters. I am so thankful for each one of my sisters and all the beautiful “fruits and flowers” that they bring to my life!

Well, that’s it for now. I hope that all of you are having a very wonderful October!

Love in Christ,

Geneva U.