From The Master's Garden

The Election

Once upon a time within a corner of the Master's garden there wa a congreagtion of well tended flowers. Their neatly manicured appearance indicated the love and concern of the Master Gardener. A few undesirable, weeds, could be found still among them. There were allowed to stay for fear that their removal would destroy the root of the flower next to it. Maybe the weed, blown by a mischivious breeze, had taken root in the ame inch of sod in which a more delicate flower had sproted. Yet the garden was a delight to behold and as long as the flowers thrived the weeds were allowed to stay.
One day the tranquility of the garden was rippled into disturbance by the shrill cray of a jay alerting the flowers of an important visitor's arrival. A whimsical breeze carried the message along untill all the residents of the garden were aware of the stranger's presence.
"He has been sent by the Master to see how we are doing!" the comlubine said as she pincher her cheeks to make them glow a brighter red.
The know-it-all Jack-in-the-Pulpit announced: "I am sure he will have a special message for me!"
"Oh, how exciting!" sighed a little violet huddled in a corner at the edge of the garden.
"I think I should be sigled out for my good works." said the marigold. " for I have done my job well and have kept those pesky insects out of my part of the garden!"
"humph!" snorted the haughty rose. "Your smell alone will single you out! As for me, He will surely noted my delicate scent and the velvity texture of my scarlet petals."
"It is my opinion," stated the practical zennia, "that we will all get our just reward when we are called before the Master. Surely my endurance should receive recognition. My family has always had sturdy roots and we have been faithful in maintianing the beauty of this garden for years despite the hot days of summer. I cannot think of any thing more that I would be expected to do."
The violet was very impressed. " How important you al are and so lovely, too. You really all deserve much praise." she said.
Little Miss Morning Glory only whimpered as she began to tuck her petals away, "The sun is too warm today, and my work is too taxing for me. I think I've done my share today, let someon else carry on>" and she faded into the shadow of her twinging leaves.
You should be more lke me." chastised the robust Sunflower. "See how tall I stand to do my work? I am proud to be seen by others while I am growing in the Master's garden."
The timid violet only whispered to herself, "How I would love to do more for my Master. I would give up all my blossoms and roots for Him. Maybe, if I look around I may find a way to his His love and wisdom with someone who needs attention. I would do more if He would only ask."
"Nobody ever notices me, but I care my share of the load around here, you can be sure!" sniffled the eary eyed petunia.
The tall beared Iris, uhumped! "Quiet, he is drawing near!"
The stranger drew closer and the bravado of the flowers quieted. They showed respect for they could tell he was a obvious representative of their Master. He began to speak. He told them of the Master's love for each one of the residents of the garden, even the violet that some considered a worthless flower. Some of the flowers even had hinted at times that the violet should not be in the Master's garden because "It is really a weed, you know."
The flowers became quiet as he told them how important each one was to the Master. He walked about the garden admiring how beautiful each flower was. The red cheeks of the colombine, the soft petals of the rose, the robust fragrance of the marigold and the proud sunflower. Then he paused.
Silence..
"What is wrong, " quirred the white lilly of the valley and she tinkled her bells anxiously.
"Is he sick?" whispered the nasturcium.
"I don know. lisped the aster.
"Hush-up!" Snapped the short tempered snap dragon. "Can't you se somethin special is about to happen. Maybe he is communicating with the Master!"
Again the visitor began to spak and he spoke with an unshakable authroity.
"There is one among you that has received the highest gift the master can give....."
The congregation of flowers rippled with anticipation. Heads bobbed and twisted about as they whispered , "Whol will it be ? Will it be Me?"
"Sunflower and Zinia deserve such an award thought the violet., "Or maybe the Lilly, she is always so pious. I see here praying all the time."
The visitor began speaking once more: "There is one present here, today, whose calling and elections hs been made sure. They will receive thisgreatest of blessings because they have desired to do their Master's bidding witout thought of workly recognitior or acclamation."
"There are many others who are here that are working hard to build the Master's kingodm and their good works do not go unnoticed but again I must say to all present, that whe you sound a trumpet to show the world the good that you have done and receive the glory of men, surely that will be your reward. But, when you do your work humbly and in secret surely the master will see what good you have done and he will reward you openly".
Silence hung over the garden.
The little violet waited in breathless anticipation for the announcement, " How grand it would be if I could know so great a person." With all her being she hoped that it would be one of her friends.
The stranger spoke...and it was her name he called!
"Why does he call my naem? Surely it is a mistake. There are others far more important thant I," she prtested, her voice barely a whisper.
"Dear violet," said the visitor, " You are the on the Master whishes to honr this day. You have done well and beloved of the Master for you have been willing to give your life for Him."
after the visitor left their corner of the garden many of the flowers dwelled on the message he had given them. There were some who resolved to live a better life. Some who were rankled because they had not been chosen to receive the honor..maybe they had roots that had been too long against a weed. But in a corner of the gardent he violet marveled at what she had seen and heard, and pondered this special blessing within her hearg, and for all those who have ears, let them hear; for these are the happenings in the Master's garden.