Flecks of Gold

I was reminded of this story in church today!

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" There was a young merchant from Boston in 1849. He was caught up in the fervor of the California gold rush. He sold all of his possessions to seek his fortune in the California rivers, which he was told were filled with gold nuggets so big that one could hardly carry them.

Day after endless day, the young man dipped his pan into the river and came up empty. His only reward was a growing pile of rocks. Discouraged and broke, he was ready to quit... until one day an old, experienced prospector said to him, “That’s quite a pile of rocks you are getting there, my boy!”

The young man replied, “There’s no gold here. I’m going back home.”

Walking over to the pile of rocks, the old prospector said, “Oh, there is gold all right. You just have to know where to find it.” He picked two rocks up in his hands and crashed them together. One of the rocks split open, revealing several flecks of gold sparkling in the sunlight.

Noticing a bulging leather pouch fastened to the prospector’s waist, the young man said, “I’m looking for nuggets like the ones in your pouch, not just tiny flecks.”

The old prospector extended his pouch toward the young man. He looked inside, expecting to see several large nuggets. He was stunned to see that the pouch was filled with thousands of flecks of gold.

The old prospector said, “Son... it seems to me you are so busy looking for large nuggets that you’re missing filling your pouch with these precious flecks of gold. The patient accumulation of these little flecks has brought me great wealth.”

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This story has always been precious to my heart. You can compare it to many concepts in the Gospel, but today it reminded me of the simple things in life that make it so beautiful. 

Yesterday I watched as the sun went down. The clouds and light reminded me of heaven. The colors were GORGEOUS. Yellow turned to orange, then to pink, blue, and purple. I was in complete awe as Heavenly Father's beautiful sun was setting. I'm so thankful for the small things I see each day that make me happier. A little old lady gave me a warm smile, a friend sent me a sincere message, I feel the warm sun on my face, the sweet spirit of the Gospel touches my heart. I LOVE LIFE! 

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you will realize they were the big things." 

Let the little flecks of gold be the biggest treasures in your heart! 

Love, Karli Sue