By Nancy Genys

I believe there's much to learn by observing nature and how it works, because nature follows the same universal laws that govern our lives—whether we’re aware of them or not. Let’s compare our lives to that of a flower and see what we can discover.

A flower begins as a seed. If it stays in the ground, it soon becomes a sprout. Its full beauty hasn’t yet appeared—there’s no flower in sight—but given sun, rain, and time, it matures, and blossoms eventually emerge. Inside each blossom are the seeds that will begin the cycle all over again. The flower attracts bees, which pollinate it and ensure its survival. Over time, the blossoms fade and wilt, but by then the seeds of the next generation have already been scattered.

This ever-changing cycle reflects all aspects of life. It mirrors the Law of Perpetual Transmutation, which tells us that energy is always moving and changing form. It also reflects the Law of Gestation, which teaches that every idea—every "seed"—has a natural incubation period. We must plant the seed and then be patient as it grows. If it bloomed too early, it wouldn’t have the strength to hold the flower. A tender sprout needs time to grow strong enough to support what’s coming.

So how long does it take? That depends. Some flowers—and some goals—blossom in weeks. Others take years.

Plants, like idea seeds, are vulnerable. Many factors affect their growth: the soil’s condition, the amount of water, the proper season for planting. Are they getting enough light? Are they free from weeds?

Our ideas and fragile sprouts will either grow to fruition or be snuffed out—through our own neglect, choices, or in some cases, destruction. This can happen in many ways.

Sometimes, in weeding the garden, I accidentally pulled out the flower instead of the weed. I didn’t even realize it until later, when the outcome showed more weeds than plants. A new gardener can struggle to tell sprouts apart—it’s easy to be fooled. Likewise, if we’re not paying attention to our thoughts—and the vibration those thoughts create—we may end up with results that look nothing like what we intended. Our thoughts shape what grows: a lovely flower or a noxious weed.

Other times, I planted too early. I was excited about having a beautiful garden but ignored the season. And while I had good ideas, they lay dormant because it wasn’t yet time. A wise gardener knows there is a time and season for all things—just as scripture says. That’s true for crops, and it’s just as true for dreams, goals, or plans.

Sometimes I pulled out flowers that were already growing, because I had planted too many, or decided I wanted something else instead. This happens with our ideas too—we realize we no longer want the thing we once desired. That’s perfectly okay. When we recognize it, we can change course.

Other times I got too busy or distracted and forgot to weed. Before I knew it, my planter was full of crabgrass that completely smothered the flowers. I couldn’t believe it had gotten so overrun. Had it really been that long since I last tended it? The same thing can happen with our ideas. If we don’t regularly tend to them, doubt, fear, and neglect can overtake the mental garden we once saw so clearly.

So be a wise gardener. Plant what you truly desire, and plant it in the right time and season. Your thoughts are the water, fertilizer, soil, and sunlight. Nurture them well—and then trust nature, and the laws of the universe, to bring the harvest in its perfect time.