By small and simple things are great things brought to pass… Alma 37:6. I chose a young widow for this painting because of the many responsibilities that she carries on her shoulders. She represents the many different roles which women fill. The unique box in the painting is a 15th century tithing box that was found underneath a Karl Bloch painting in an old church. The church was rotting and mildewing but the tithing box remained standing. The young boy who is weeping represents feelings and emotions. This young boy sits at the base of the tithing box feeling hunger, sorrow, fear and frustration and not understanding why. We are blessed with the same feelings and emotions that the Savior experiences. Joy, hope, sorrow, and pain and sometimes we weep. In 3 Nephi the Savior groaned over the sins of the Nephites and he wept over the children. All feelings are blessings, both the positive and the negative emotions that we experience. We are given feelings to help teach us and we know that we the Lord will also prompt us though our feelings. We feel peace in our heart and have quiet feelings of reassurance. The little girl kneeling symbolizes the Gifts of the Spirit. She represents the Gift of Faith. She looks to her mother in faith and anticipation. She learns about faith through the example that her mother is setting. This daughter will become like her mother. Gifts of the Spirit enrich our lives. They can strengthen us and bless the lives of others. They can bring us comfort in times of trials. Gifts of the spirit allow us to be encircled in the love of the Savior. As we act upon them our faith in Him will increase and our destiny will be fulfilled. The little girl standing by her mother represents how many of us feel at times; shy, nervous and perhaps inadequate. She comes to this beautiful temple clothed only in rags and hides behind the arm of her mother. She is meek and mild. Meekness is an attribute of Deity. It is best shown through the gentleness and humility of Christ. Meekness is quiet strength and is a characteristic of discipleship. It is the facilitator that allows us to use our free agency. When the Savior speaks to us through the power of the Holy Ghost it is done with mildness. When the keys of repentance were given to Joseph Smith the voice was mild. We need to seek to be meek and mild. The baby in the arms of his mother reminds us of the need to become as these little children. We are told that we must “become as a little child or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.” Children are precious and innocent and beloved by their Father in Heaven. The Mother in this painting is coming to the temple to give all that she has left to the Lord. She has heavy responsibilities as she cares for those she loves. Unbeknownst to her the Savior is watching her closely and is aware of her concerns and of her faith. Even in a place full of wealth and beauty hers is the sacrifice that He sees. He recognizes her sacrifice and tells her story and that story has touched millions.