Sunday, February 13, 2011

A lip or tu

I woke up from my *lovely* Sunday nap to these beauties.

(yes, flowers for the day before Valentine's Day, because I asked to not receive flowers on Valentine's Day this year)
Tulips, of course!  There's a story behind them.  You see, when I first entered Young Women, we had a new beginnings program in which the parents of every new beehive were to share a flower that reminds them of their daughter.  Most of the flowers chosen were extremely heartfelt and sentimental.  One friend received a rose from her parents because of her exquisite beauty inside and out.  Another, a lily for similar reasons and virtue and grace.  Perhaps a daisy because of how much sunshine 'she' brought into the lives of others.
For me, my mother chose tulips.  Why?  To remind me to always keep my "two-lips" clean and pure.  Apparently I wasn't excessively dainty, exquisite, beautiful, virtuous, or graceful, because my mother basically called me the biggest flirt alive, right in front of everyone.  If you know my mother, she's a jokester, so I would never have put this past her, however, I realized while she was talking (and she even said) that she had no idea she was to choose a flower that really "fit" me as a person, but rather, just choose a flower for me period.  She figured most girls would receive a rose (as most did) and wanted me to be a little different.  As is her way, she was able to create a very effective teaching moment through her humor, and it has certainly stuck with me.
Continuing through the years, the tulip became my favorite flower for more reasons than just this anecdote implies.  Not only can I realize the magnificent beauty of this flower, but I also realize something priceless.  These flowers stay open and REACH toward the sun.  I hope I can do that--always remain stretched toward the Son.
Now, I also realize that the tulip tends to describe me a bit as a PERSON.  This blog may say it best, "You think that when you see a tulip wrapped tight, just admiring the outside of it, you’ve seen the best that tulip has to offer.  After all, when you think of tulips, you think of them with their petals closed.  I was thrilled when this purple beauty opened to show there is always more beauty on the inside.  Same is true with most every person I know."
What a great reminder for me, and for everyone, I suppose.  You can find true beauty deep within people, and yourself, as you and they open up to show it.  Now, I'm just grateful that my husband can share in my love for tulips as well.  You see, although he often can't remember my birthday, or my middle name for that matter, he does and will always remember that tulips are my favorite flower of them all.  So, I guess my mother continues to make an impact in all the little facets of my life.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to the LOVES of my life!!
 And just because he's getting to be the biggest cheese ball...
 

What a dream...






7 comments:

Lindzie said...

I totally remember this! And to be honest, I don't remember what my mom chose for me so yours was better in the end. (I'm pretty sure your mom put a lot of thought into as well!)

Shelise said...

Great post. I love purple and I love tulips so to me they are really beautiful. Also, Camden is so cute. I love very last one with his fist kind of on the side of his face. Too cute. Happy Valentines.

Oh and ps I will send you that email. I never got around to sending it again, kind of like I never got around to calling you back. Sorry I'm so horrible at that kind of stuff.

Trev_Legit said...

Camden is such a stud!!! i miss him soo much and can't wait to see him next weekend.

Tae and Jay said...

Umm camden is looking so old it's ridiculous. I miss him. I had a dream about him last night and he was a baby. i'm sad he's old and i don't get to see him grow up anymore. also, you're a better daughter than me, i never remember anything sentimental momma tells me.

Jeannie Waters said...

But Meghan was excessively dainty, exquisite, beautiful, virtuous, and graceful. I just wanted her to stay that way, which she did. This story has been mentioned in our ward at every New Beginning's Program I have attended since then.

Tayla said...

Oh my heck! I totally remember your mom doing that. In fact now that I am in Young Women's I have suggested doing this at New Beginnings. I even think I have shared this story with the other leaders. Too funny! :)

The Foote Family said...

Meghan--My calling is young womens right now and the past two new beginnings we have done the mom gives the new beehive a flower in our ward too. I have always remembered that you got tulips. So when parents ask me for examples I give them a few--including yours. Everyone has thought tulips to keep your "two lips" clean and pure was super clever. :) I still remember the flower I got too. A double delight rose. Thanks for the post. I loved it. P.S.- Now that you live here (YAY!) we need to get together!! Dinner or fhe perhaps??