Bees and Resting in the Lord

In my last post, I wrote a little about bees. This is a continuation of that. The Lord showed me a little more about bees this week that left me in awe of nature's testimony of God. But first I wanted to introduce you to the wonder of bees so you will appreciate more God's hand in creating bees.

I looked in my journal notes and found this from 10 years ago, about bees. At the time we had 5 children. "I went to a beekeeping class. I never intended to learn about bees, but one of our neighbors invited me to bring our older boys to watch him tend his bees. I took the boys over, and somehow my son and I ended up with beekeepers gear on, surrounded by humming bees. It was awesome to be surrounded by the bees humming and be safe from their stings and be able to watch them so up close. It felt like I got a peek into their world. Their humming was like calming music. My beekeeping neighbor told a few people in our church ward about a beekeeping class, so I went with 2 of my friends from our church.  As I listened to the class, I was amazed at what clean, intelligent, hardworking, amazing insects bees are.  Bees orient themselves every time they leave the hive, by finding the sun. The sun is how they navigate. When they come back to the hive, after finding a new source of nectar, they will do a waggle dance to show the other bees where the nectar they are carrying came from. Bees will share the nectar from the flower so that the other worker bees will recognize the flower’s nectar when they taste it.  They store nectar in the honeycomb cells they make. From what I gathered, honey is condensed flower nectar. Many foods that we eat are entirely dependent on the work of bees pollinating the flowers. Without bees we would not have most fruits, vegetables and nuts. Bees are small but critical to our food supply.

A beehive is clean and organized. Like my Mom used to say “A place for everything and everything in its place”. There is a place for honey and nectar, another place where the bees keep their eggs, and of course a place for the queen. When a bee hatches from its cell, one of the first things it does is clean out the cell so that it can be used again by another bee. They don’t allow anything dirty or dead in the hive. Dead bees are carried out. If a mouse or beetle gets in, they will kill it by stinging it. If it’s too heavy for the bees to carry out of the hive, they will cover it with a very thick layer of propolis (tree resin) so that it won’t contaminate the hive or honey.

In the winter bees stay in their hive mostly, eating the honey they produced and stored in the summer. Given the opportunity, they will continue to produce and store honey for several years of storage. Beekeepers will leave the bees with 1 year’s worth of honey in the hive, the extra honey is harvested. In the winter bees only take a few flights out of the beehive on warmer days, “cleansing flights” to eliminate waste. If the weather is too cold and they can’t take a cleansing flight, bees just wait and wait, and sometimes get bowel problems because they don’t want to eliminate or poop in their hive. They keep their beehive at 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.9 degrees Celsius) all year- winter and summer. In the summer bees use their wings to fan the hive and keep it cool. In the winter bees seal up all the cracks in the hive with propolis, and they huddle together in a mass. They take turns being on the outside, just like penguins in Antarctica take turns being on the outside of their huddle for warmth. During the winter, a bee can live 4-6 months. In the summer a bee lives a much shorter life, only 4- 6 weeks. A bee will literally work itself to death, working for the hive. It will work so hard to carry nectar that it will fray its wings, trying to carry as much nectar as possible back to the hive.  It will gather and carry almost its own weight in nectar.  Bees are the only insect that makes food for people to eat. Bees are very sensitive to insecticides and pollution. A single bee returning to the hive with insecticide can make an entire hive sick, and possibly kill the hive. If an insecticide is to be used, it should be sprayed when the bees are inactive, when the sun isn't up- after sunset or before sunrise. The bee population decline in recent years may be signs of increasing pollution in our earth.

As I was taking this class, and thinking about what amazing insects bees are, something that I hadn’t understood about my Grandma Bonnie clicked, and I understood a bit more about her. I always felt that Grandma Bonnie died too soon- 74, I wish she could have lived much longer. I had in my mind reasoned that she worked too hard, and that giving birth and raising 10 children had taken too hard a toll on her body. I’d thought to myself that I didn’t want to work quite so hard. I like the saying “Take it easy.” Thinking about the bees, I realized Grandma Bonnie was like one of the bees, she knew what her purpose was in life, and she worked hard to serve God, her family and community. She didn’t worry about herself, as much as she worried about those that could benefit from her labors. I can be a little more like that. A long easy life isn’t the goal, serving others as the Savior did is the goal. It reminded me of what President Kimball said, “My life is like my shoes—to be worn out in service”. I’m not saying we’re going to have 10 children, but I'm beginning to understand that a lot of work is OK.

I came home and told my children about the bees. After my enthusiastic bee lecture, I said “You see kids, we can all be a little more like the bees. You know the first thing they do when they hatch is clean their rooms.” Ethan (9 years old then) quickly answered “Yeah, but they only live 4-6 weeks. What do you want to do, work us to death?” He has always made me laugh with his sense of humor. Ethan has grown up now, he is 19. I never have to remind him to clean his room, he is meticulously clean and a very hard worker. How did 10 years go by so quickly and he grow up so fast? He was the one to come with me to see our neighbor's bees. He is a gift in my life, as are all of my children.

As I mentioned in my last post, When I need a break or something to clear my mind, I sit outside and watch the sky, the trees, the flowers and the bees at work. It helps me remember that God is in charge. Bees love the mint plants that spread themselves across our flower beds. It's easy to notice the differences between bees and wasps as they fly around the flowers. Bees fly or dance with a graceful motion, and they purposefully fly directly to the center of the flowers, to feed on the nectar. Wasps are erratic in their flight and not centered on the flower. Wasps will land anywhere on a plant and eat anything- the leaves, the nectar, even other insects. They are very different than the bees that only eat nectar. For us, Jesus is the center. He is the nectar, the sweetness. If we take a lesson from the bees, we nourish ourselves with Jesus' love- it is the sweetest, most meaningful and true nourishment.  Developing and nurturing a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing we can do. Seeking to hear him, to do his will, and to see him is our heart's desire.

One morning last week I was walking at the park. Where I live, the sun comes over the mountain at 7:30 am in the summer, so I was up before sunrise- but it wasn't very early. There was a sunflower on the trail, when I looked at it, I saw there was a bee curled up motionless in the middle of the flower.  I didn't know if the bee was dead, so I nudged it. It fell out of the flower and began crawling on the ground. It had been sleeping and I woke it up. Oops! I didn't know bees slept in sunflowers!

I checked another sunflower, and there were a couple bees sleeping in it too. I walked around the park checking the sunflowers and found many bees sleeping in sunflowers, in the centers of the sunflowers. I motioned to a couple of my friends that were also walking to come and see the bees sleeping in the flowers. It was so sweet to watch the bees sleeping- normally it is hard to take a picture of a bee because they are so busy and active, but here they were curled up, covered with pollen and fast asleep. When the sun came up, the light on the bees woke them up and they began their work. I checked many of the sunflowers where the bees had been sleeping, and they were now awake and busy at work. It felt like the Lord was showing me something really special.

Sunflowers face the sun, and follow the sun as it moves across the sky.  I love sunflowers for that trait of always following the sun. Bees also use the sun for orientation and direction, they are only active when the sun is out. Do I orient my thoughts and actions by the Son of God? Do I care more about pleasing the Lord and doing his will or being acceptable to my friends and family?

I thought about the bees, getting ready for the dark night. Curling up next to the nectar, their source of food. A sunflower is easily bent and swayed by the wind, and the bees could easily get knocked out of the sunflower by a curious person walking by (me!) or anything else. Bees are willing to be exposed to the elements if they can be close to the nectar. When the darkness of night comes, I want to be like the bees that wait for the Son's return resting by the sweet nectar. Waiting close to the nectar seems a better place to meet the returning sun than sleeping in a hive. With winter, all the bees will be gathered into the hive to keep each other warm. For us, Jesus is the nectar, the sweetness and the center of our life. I think about the early missionaries far away from the comforts and safety of their home, teaching the gospel. They were like the bees sleeping in their fields of labor.

There is something special about sleep. Children always look the sweetest when they are sleeping. My children are past the age of falling asleep in my arms, but I loved it when they did because it meant they felt safe and protected in my care. Jesus fell asleep in the boat during a storm, He trusted in his Father's care. Bees sleeping next to the nectar of the flowers, out in the open and away from their hive was also very tender to see. Do I trust and rest in the Lord's care? The scriptures talk about entering into the Lord's rest. What does that mean for me?

To me the sweetness of knowing Jesus is knowing that his love is personal, given individually to me. That He loves me just as I am-  broken, sinful and messy at times. I often feel like a toddler that can't help but get into messes every time I turn around. Recently we went to the park with my children. We made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It was comical to see how much of a mess our little 4 year old can make, even with me watching her closely. She pulled the sandwich apart, jam and peanut butter were all over her face- from ear to ear, she rested her elbow and arm in the jam side of the bread she tore apart, getting jam from her elbow to her wrist, and touched her water bottle with her sticky hands. It took a few baby wipes and 3 trips to the bathroom to wash her hands while she was eating her sandwich. Easily distracted, she didn't finish her sandwich. What was left of her sandwich was such a mess that I threw it away. We got in the car to come home, and she was asking for the rest of her sandwich, crying that she didn't finish her sandwich. We got home, she ate, had a bath, and then a nap. When she sleeps we all can relax. I must be that messy toddler to Jesus. It doesn't take hardly anything for me to get upset, say rude things, and lose focus. I bet the Lord is relieved when I fall asleep too sometimes!

With my children, one of the sweet things is helping them get all cleaned up. I love the sweetness of a child who is so dependent on help, and how fresh and clean they are after getting cleaned up. Recently the Lord showed me that helping me get cleaned up was also sweet to him, and that as I take joy in a freshly bathed, cleaned baby, he also takes joy in me when I am clean. An image of Heavenly Mother lovingly and joyfully pouring water over her child and bathing them came to my mind.

Jesus' love for me was so much that He willingly allowed himself to suffer my pains and paid for my sins that I might become clean, and be saved if I will repent and come to Him. His sacrifice and love for us is our center. It is what grounds us, and puts everything in its right perspective. Knowing that we are loved deeply, and in his eyes are worth the sacrifice.  Our center is knowing that Jesus poured out his precious, holy life for us personally. Do you feel Jesus' love for you personally, individually? It is more than just knowing about the Lord, it is about knowing him as your friend, and experiencing him in your life. I have heard some people talk about the Lord, and they recite many facts about his life. I wish that instead of the facts and verses in the scriptures, they would tell me what Jesus has done for them personally, how he has made their life more meaningful, and how he is teaching them individually. How is the Lord leading you personally, how is the Lord helping you and teaching you?

In 3 Nephi 11 of the Book of Mormon, we read about Jesus' visit to the Americas. Jesus says "I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning." His invitation to the people then is the same invitation he gives you and me today, and it is meant for us. "Arise and come forth unto me, that you may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world." Jesus invited the people to come and feel his wounds in his hands and feet, to know that he was slain for our sins. The people came and felt the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. They fell down and worshipped Jesus, proclaiming "Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God!" Then Jesus calls Nephi, one of his disciples and friends. "Nephi arose and went forth and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet." Nephi kissed Jesus' feet, it is interesting that this detail is recorded, Nephi kissing Jesus' feet. The marks of the nails were personal to Nephi. A visual and physical tie of what Jesus had done for him personally.

"For God so loved the world that He gave his only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Jesus is our sure foundation. Jesus himself is the sure foundation. Much of what we spend our time working for can be taken away, but Jesus' love for us will never be taken away. Knowing Jesus personally is the sweetness and nectar in our life. It is not enough to know we are loved by the Lord, to return the love is important too. What am I doing to show Jesus that I love Him? Do I trust Him? Listen to his words to me? Do I seek his will every day?

When Jesus returns, it will be like the sun coming up after a dark night. In the light of Jesus' love, darkness disappears and everything becomes clear, our challenges have meaning.  Whatever we learn, whatever we teach, may it bring us to our knees in gratitude for Jesus and his great sacrifice and love for us.

Look for His Love

 A few months ago, I was thinking about all the chaos in the world. I was worried if our family would be OK through all that is unfolding. Many more of the events prophesied in the scripture are still to come, part of the cleansing process readying the earth and his people for the Lord's return. I asked the Lord to be with us through the current trials and those still to come. The Lord told me something I have thought about over and over again. The Lord asked me, "Where were you when your child was in the hospital for surgeries?"  I thought back, I was with her the whole time she was in the hospital for her surgeries. I could not leave her side when she needed me most. He told me that is how he feels about me. He will not leave me alone when I need him most. He asked me to pray, think of Him, and read his words so that his spirit will be with me. What a blessing to know He will be closest to us, and not leave our side when our needs are the greatest. What a loving Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother and Savior we have. It was a new concept to me- that they are helping me because that is who they are. They are full of love for us, their children. I can do better in thinking of the Lord more, praying more, and reading his words more. 

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me." Isaiah 49:15-16 ESV

 When things are noisy or chaotic in my home, I go sit outside for a minute.  Seeing the sky, the clouds, the trees and God's creations helps me to remember God's love and that he is in charge. I have been enjoying watching the bees in our yard and garden. The bees love the miniature white flowers shaped in a cluster on top of the mint plants, they are the perfect size for the bees tiny mouths to drink nectar from.  Bees have a calming hum, it is like music.  They fly or dance with a graceful motion, and they purposefully fly directly to the center of the flowers, to feed on the nectar. Wasps are erratic in their flight and not centered on the flower. Wasps will land anywhere on a plant and eat anything- the leaves, the nectar, even other insects. They are very different than the bees that only eat nectar. For us, Jesus is the center. He is the nectar, the sweetness. If we take a lesson from the bees, we nourish ourselves with Jesus' love- it is the sweetest, most meaningful and long-lasting nourishment.  Jesus is the embodiment of our Heavenly Parents love for us, his sacrifice and life given willingly for us. Jesus' amazing love and grace for us is the sweetness we long for, and He gives meaning to our lives.  There are many things we can try to nourish ourselves with- but only Jesus fills our heart's longing. My moments with Him are the best moments of my day. His words are food for my soul. How much of what I let into my life is distracting or preventing me from going to the Lord for comfort and nourishment?

One more story with our child with medical needs- she spends more time with me because of her medical needs but I love all of my children and they have each taught me invaluable lessons. She made a game for me, hiding little post-it notes with drawings on them. She hid them in my closet in funny places- under stacks of folded clothing, by my shoes, in the bed linens that are folded up. She wanted me to find all the post-it notes, they were supposed to lead me to one very special post-it note with a message. The very special post-it note had a message "I love you Mom" with a little stick figure drawing of me. She was so happy as I found her hidden notes, and loved seeing my surprise as I found them. She gave me a big hug when I found them. I am still finding her post-it notes in my closet.

Hang on to that thought about the post-it notes with an "I love you" written on them, I will come back to it in a minute. On my first blog post, I told a little of our story and how the Lord has been teaching us. I wrote that the more I know about the Lord Jesus, the more I want to know. How did he give his life with so much love and forgiveness, even in his last moments? Why did he do that for us? How did he have the strength to do what he did? What is it that makes him happy? What breaks his heart?

As time has passed, the Lord has answered my questions, a little at a time. The Lord told me one thing that breaks his heart is when we don't see all the gifts of love he has put around us. When we don't see his love for us. All around us are little messages of love, reminding us that Jesus loves us.  Like my child's post-it notes. How often do we walk right by special blessings and gifts of love from Jesus without noticing or thanking him for them? Look around you when you step outside. Look at the blue sky covering the earth- that is his love that covers you and me. Look at the clouds that give shade from the sun and water for the earth- that is also his love. The trees, plants, everything around us testifies of Jesus' love for us. Nature testifies of our Heavenly Father and Mother's love and Jesus. 

As I think back to the times when we were in the hospital with our child, there were blessings all around us, and the sweetness of the Lord's help was felt more than I'd ever experienced it before, even though she went through very difficult things. In thinking of the challenges ahead in preparation for the Second Coming, I look forward to more closeness with the Lord. Knowing that He will be with us takes away the fear. 

One of my favorite scriptures is "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." D&C 84:88. This was given to missionaries who were going out to teach, but also applies to us when we are on the Lord's errand. 

How has the Lord blessed you and shown his love to you? Am I looking for the messages of love around me from our Heavenly Parents and Jesus? Dear Lord, help me to see you. To see your love for me. Open my eyes, my ears to hear you. Clear my mind of worry that I can remember your words that are sweet like honey. Please be with me through what lies ahead.

One of my children made this card one year, and it reminds me of Jesus' love for us. "My hands are full of love for you" it reads, with flowers on the hands a heart in the middle.