Grandmaʻs Mango Tree
“Sharing light can be as simple as sharing fruit from a tree”
Over sixty years ago, my grandmother planted a mango tree in the front yard of her island home. I’m sure she had no idea then, that this tiny plant would one day become a priceless gift and treasure for generations to come.
Today, this tree stands 30 feet tall bearing anywhere from 40–60 mangoes a day, in season. That’s a lot of mangoes!
As a child I vividly remember the many family members, friends, and neighbors that would come to grandma’s house with their mango pickers and baskets hoping to get their fill, and Grandma would always graciously oblige. I canʻt begin to count the number of people over the years who have been blessed by Grandma and the fruits of her tree.
For me, Grandmaʻs mango tree is a reminder of the good we can do in the world when we choose to share our fruit (our light) with others.
In the scriptures, Jesus Christ teaches the importance of sharing our light. During His mortal ministry, the Savior shared His light in many ways. Among them were caring for the poor, comforting the lonely, healing the sick, and teaching eternal truths for Salvation.
In Matthew 5:14-15, Jesus taught:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”
Here are some examples of what it might look like to “shine our light” today:
Post an uplifting message on social media
Compliment a co-worker on a talent or strength
Perform an act of kindness to a stranger
Donate to a local charity youʻre passionate about
Provide service to a family member or friend
Be a listening ear to someone in need
Sharing light can be as simple as sharing fruit from a tree. It doesnʻt matter so much what we share … What matters is that we share.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Grandma was 94 years old in this picture. She came to hear me speak at an event I was hosting in Hawaʻii in 2019. Grandma passed away two years later, on Oct 30, 2021.
