no junk

Seasons. Some are better then others. Some are spent shedding off the old.  Others spent starting a new.  Some we endure while others we wish would last longer.  Each have their own intensity.  Each have their own purpose.  And each have their own beauty. 

I am currently in a season where I feel as though my branches are still losing those darn leaves. The whirlwinds keep coming.  It feels bare, raw, and vulnerable.  What's it's purpose?  Is there beauty with bare branches, withered and worn out from the whirlwinds?

Elder Neil L. Andersen taught:

 "In nature, trees that grow up in a windy environment become stronger. As winds whip around a young sapling, forces inside the tree do two things. First, they stimulate the roots to grow faster and spread farther. Second, the forces in the tree start creating cell structures that actually make the trunk and branches thicker and more flexible to the pressure of the wind. These stronger roots and branches protect the tree from winds that are sure to return.You are infinitely more precious to God than a tree. You are His son or His daughter. He made your spirit strong and capable of being resilient to the whirlwinds of life."

As a young teenager I remember one of my many Young Women leaders, that I continue to look up to, gave a lesson on Individual Worth.  I don't remember much about the details of the lesson other then one quote.  It has ingrained itself in me since first hearing it:

 "God don't make no junk."

If there is ever a time I've questioned my worth, my purpose, my beauty, this has been my answer. 

Today was a much needed reminder of that.  To think of intense sunsets, majestic mountains, waves crashing on the beach, fall leaves changing with their color and vibrancy, lakes and rivers, endless stars, a bright blue sky with big white fluffy clouds, sun peaking through a raging storm, a winter wonderland with snow frosting everything in site,  moments you think to yourself: "Wow, this is beautiful!" Moments you know God had something to do with it.  

Coming to the realization that my beauty and worth is far more grand and precious then even those moments. No matter the season I am in.  Each season has a purpose.  Maybe I was missing the beauty in the fact my roots and foundation are being made stronger each day.  And while the whirlwinds make it feel like there isn't much beauty that comes from losing what I once had, little does it know it is only  making me stronger and that much more prepared to create something infinitely more beautiful. Eventually able to stand up to any storm with grace and power.  Because I am a daughter of God.  And "God don't make no junk!"