April Showers

To my dear granddaughter April—

You live in a paradise of beauty and love. You have beautiful trees and scenery, a warm and comfortable home, a place in the hearts of all your loved ones, the incomprehensible love of our Father in Heaven. You have more love knowledge, and guidance than virtually all other humans. As you go through this change from girl to woman, know that your parents understand your needs and will be there constantly to give you the encouragement and direction you need. Sometimes you will not appreciate the council given, but I encourage you to do as you have been asked. Go to your Father in Heaven and seek the confirmation of the direction you are given. He has given us the Holy Ghost, ministering angels, earthly parents, and leaders to carry us through the tough times.

In the springtime your beautiful vineyard has an added blessing of copious amounts of rain. We get tired of the rain and its constant drizzle, then downright outpouring. We think it will never end and that life is dark and dreary because all we ever see is rain clouds. Then, the sun comes out, the trees regain their foliage, the rivers and streams flow beautifully, and life takes on a whole new meaning. The evergreens in front of your house have been completely sheltered on one side. There is no growth. There is no beauty. All that is left is a skeleton of branches. Without light and nutrients the trees grow stilted and unable to accomplish their purpose.

April, you have the light of Christ to guide you. Your parents, your church leaders, and the Holy Ghost will give you the light, then nourishment, and the direction necessary for you to truly blossom and become a marvelous work and a wonder. As you move through the April showers of your life; as you wonder if and when “boys” and other elements of life will become part of your reality; I implore you to reach for that little booklet you have that gives you driving lessons on how to conduct yourself. I was so pleased last night to see that you were keenly interested in Doctrine Covenants section 89, regarding the Word of Wisdom. Be a leader. Stand up to the adversary. Say no to those things which will cause you pain and misery. Walk the road through life with you head held high, your faith in God as your shield of faith, and family as your army of strength; ever onward toward a great and marvelous place in the kingdom of our Father in Heaven in this life and in the life to come.

God bless you in all your activities, challenges, and decision making.

Grandfather,

Duane Jacobs