Who Wants to Please the Lord Today?

Every Sunday morning when my wife and I meet with the Korean-speaking group that is part of our ward, subtle floral fragrances waft across the chapel. To the right of the pulpit invariably sits a beautiful arrangement of fragrant freesias framed by vibrant globe amaranth blossoms in a bed of greenery.

When I moved into the ward a few years ago, I noticed Sister Geum-oak Choi carrying in a unique and beautiful floral arrangement. Soon I realized she brought floral arrangements every week.

When I asked her why, she said, “Because the church is a beautiful place.” She has been decorating the chapel pulpit for 45 years.

Her weekly service reminded me of what President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) said in the dedicatory prayer for the Seoul Korea Temple in 1985: “We dedicate the grounds, with all of their beauty, as an appropriate setting for this holy edifice.” Sister Choi exemplified this simple statement by honoring our meetinghouse and beautifying it.

One day after church, our bishop found Brother and Sister Choi at their home sprinkling water on plants and removing weeds from flowerbeds.

“Sister Choi, most of your flowers have not bloomed yet,” the bishop said. “How can you bring fully bloomed flowers every Sabbath?”

She replied, “Each Sunday morning, I look into the garden and ask the flowers, ‘Who wants to please the Lord today?’ Then I feel the flowers shouting, ‘Me, I want to go! It’s my turn.’”

When my wife and I visited Sister Choi, she ushered us through a gate toward her backyard. Hundreds of carefully cultivated plants—fruits, flowers, and vegetables—spread across a narrow space.

Sister Choi’s gardening hobby helps her remember Jesus Christ throughout the week (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). With each arrangement she prepares, she brings Him a meaningful gift born of sacrifice and honor. She is a flower in the city of Los Angeles, sharing the light and love of Jesus Christ through her dedication.