Sisters of Grace

“This is my private garden. I haven’t brought many people here, but I wanted to share it with you. I come here when I need to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the manor. It’s where I come to simply be and experience God's grace.”

I knew that this place was special, but I hadn’t realized just how special. This was Lady Manchester’s private sanctuary. She was sharing something very private and dear to her with me. I most definitely would not tell Bradley anything. “This place is beautiful Grace. Thank you for the tour.” She smiled at my sincere appreciation.

“Olivia, there are certain things that life and nature teach us if we are willing to observe them. I have learned more from this garden than I could have ever learned from just life experience alone. I often come here to pray, because it is rich with peace and quiet. Look around you… Flowers do not argue or compete, they do not insult or judge each other, they are designed to live in harmony and allow their beauty to complement each other. Their strength lies within their roots. They are among the most delicate in the entire world, yet they withstand the heat of the sun, the wind, and the rain, day in and day out. In fact, they depend on these harsh elements for growth.

Just as we are designed by our creator, so are these lovely plants. Their main purpose is to display beauty. They bloom where they are planted, withstanding the storms of life; there is no jealousy, nor complaining among them about the lot they are given. Some only bloom for a day, others can bloom until they are kissed by the first bitter frost; this is God's choice, not theirs.

Grandma Sadie always said, ‘Remember who sends the rain.’ Life began in the Garden of Eden. I can only imagine the beauty of that place, where God's handiwork reigned supreme. I marvel at the dew drenched on the morning flowers to be kissed by the rising sun; they look as if they have been layered with diamond dust, but what are they that they should be adorned with such jewels? Just as God kisses away our fears of the unknown and darkness that can creep in to frighten us at the perfect moment, He strengthens the garden with the perfect balance of sunshine and storms.

I suppose when I think of the various dynamics of one's life, it helps to remember the floral gardens and how they are a reflection of humanity in their own way. They are a reminder of how we need to be kind one to another, working together to grow and appreciating our differences, not fearing them. As much as it is possible, we need to live in peace with one another and to realize we are all beautiful and when we share the roots of kindness and compassion, we are strong enough to withstand the challenging storms of life and the brutal heat of the day.

From the complicated layered design of roses to the dainty design of cheerful daisies, we all have a purpose. Olivia, if there can be peace in such a diverse garden, then it is possible for there to be peace in our lives. Always take advantage of a day to bloom, for soon enough the flowers in your garden will fade and wither and be among the fallen petals, according to the will of God.

However, for a Christian, unlike these flowers, when we pass, we will open our eyes to a garden far better than any we have ever known here. The light of heaven and the glory of the Lord will shine brightly, where there is eternal beauty and peace in this city of no storms. Our Creator will wipe away all tears of sadness, and just as the sun kisses away the dew, God will kiss away the pain and struggles of earthly living and replace it with His brand of joy and eternal life forevermore. In this place, I believe the flowers never die or grow old.” She stopped and looked at me with a smile contradictory to the tear running down her cheek and said, “And nor will we.”