Read by Michael Flamel

TThe vibrant hues of the Greenhaven garden sparkled in the sunlight, a testament to the friends’ collective efforts to nurture love and understanding. However, as days turned into weeks, a subtle darkness began to cast shadows on the once-luminous landscape. The friends, despite their newfound unity, found themselves grappling with the thorns of selfishness that threatened to overshadow the garden’s beauty.

One sunny afternoon, Jesus gathered the friends under the shade of the ancient oak tree at the heart of Greenhaven. His eyes, filled with compassion, scanned the faces of his companions as he sensed the growing discord.

“In the garden of life, there are thorns that can pierce the bonds of love—the thorns of selfishness,” Jesus spoke with a gentle yet firm voice. “To truly cultivate a garden of the soul, you must learn the joy of selflessness and giving. Only then can the beauty of love blossom without hindrance.”

The friends exchanged puzzled glances, realizing that they had overlooked a crucial aspect of their journey. Sarah, who had once struggled with her own insecurities, now found herself hoarding the sunlight for her own blooms, neglecting those that needed it most. Samuel, though valiant, discovered the sharp edges of pride creeping into his actions. Emily, the compassionate soul, felt a pang of guilt as she realized she had sometimes prioritized her own needs over the collective well-being of the garden.

With infinite patience, Jesus shared parables of generosity and selflessness, emphasizing the fulfillment that comes from giving without expecting anything in return. The friends listened intently, absorbing the lessons that would guide them in uprooting the thorns of selfishness from their hearts.

Their first task was to examine their own motivations, just as a wise gardener tends to the soil, ensuring it is fertile and nurturing for all plants. Each friend took a moment to reflect on the ways in which selfishness had subtly crept into their actions. Sarah, humbled by the realization, opened herself to the idea of sharing the sunlight so that every bloom could thrive.

Samuel, with newfound humility, recognized that true strength lay in lifting others up rather than standing above them. Emily, the compassionate soul, pledged to cultivate a garden where the fragrance of selfless love permeated every corner.

As the friends worked together to prune the thorns of selfishness, the garden underwent a transformation. The once-shadowed areas now bathed in the warm glow of shared light, and the air resonated with the melodious harmony of plants thriving together. Jesus observed with pride as the friends, through acts of kindness and generosity, created a haven where the fragrance of selflessness permeated every corner.

“In the garden of life, the truest beauty emerges when you learn to give without expectation,” Jesus declared. “By cultivating selflessness, you create a space where each bloom contributes to the flourishing tapestry of love.”

United in their commitment to embrace selflessness, the friends continued their journey with a renewed sense of purpose. They tended to the garden of Greenhaven with a newfound awareness, ensuring that the thorns of selfishness found no place to take root.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow on the now-illuminated garden, the friends gathered around Jesus. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of selfless love, and the thorns of selfishness had withered away, leaving only the blossoms of unity and compassion in its wake.

And so, under the watchful gaze of their gentle guide, the friends continued their journey—watering the roots of faith, weeding out prejudice, and pruning the thorns of selfishness. The pages of their storybook unfolded with each chapter, revealing a timeless tale of life, love, and the extraordinary beauty that emerges when hearts are open, and gardens are tended with care. ❖