Consider the Lilies

Leading up to the holidays, looking at past Christmas cards, I can't not think about my dad. There are so many things I wish I could tell him about my life right now.

One thought that has been circling in my mind is the song "Consider the Lilies." The song my dad requested be sung at his funeral. I never understood the significance of the song until recently.

The phrase 'Consider the lilies' comes from Matthew 6:28–30, where Christ invites us to stop worrying about daily needs and instead trust in Him. A way to replace anxiety with faith.

It's also an LDS hymn by Roger Hoffman that is periodically sung at General Conference.

As I listen to the lyrics, I can't help but think of why my dad loved this song so much. He was an example to me of seeking God's kingdom and trusting in the Lord.

Before passing, my dad always made it a point to tell Abbey what a good mom she was to our kids. And that has stuck with her. In fact, the last thing he told Abbey as we said goodbye for the last time was, "You're such a good mom. Those kids love & adore you. Take good care of them. I will help you; I'll be there to help you."

We recently found out that we are expecting our third child, due in May of 2026. Not long after, we learned that the birth flower for a May baby is a lily. I don't believe that's a coincidence... To me, that small detail is a message from my dad that he's there. A reminder to have faith and trust in the Lord. Something I can 100% see him telling me to do.

That same message to trust, to believe, and to seek truth came back to me this past Sunday.

I was talking with the deacons about temple work for those who have passed. Our discussion prompted me to ask the boys if they really believe in life after death. A lot of them said yes, and I dug deeper and said, "Why? Why do you believe? Do you believe it because your parents are telling you? Do you believe it because you've read it somewhere? Why do you believe?" And I challenged them to further their belief and to find out for themselves if life after death is real and if this gospel and the plan of salvation are real to them.

I also took this challenge. And as I reflect on these recent experiences, I can say for myself, I know that life after death is real and our loved ones are waiting for us on the other side. I'm grateful for Christ's invitation to trust Him. To have faith in Him. I know he blesses me as I do.

Lyrics

Consider the lilies of the field, How they grow, how they grow. Consider the birds in the sky, How they fly, how they fly.

He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the birds in the sky. And He will feed those who trust Him, And guide them with His eye.

Consider the sheep of His fold, How they follow where He leads. Though the path may wind across the mountains, He knows the meadows where they feed.

He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the birds in the sky, And He will feed those who trust Him, And guide them with His eye.

Consider the sweet, tender children Who must suffer on this earth. The pains of all of them He carried From the day of His birth.

He clothes the lilies of the field, He feeds the lambs in His fold, And He will heal those who trust Him, And make their hearts as gold.

Listen Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDFBBbhwmfk#:~:text=The%20Mormon%20Tabernacle%20Choir%20sings,of%20Latter%2Dday%20Saints%20on: