The Sunflower
Craning their necks up to the sky, basking in the glow of the sun it is no wonder why man calls them SUNflowers.
Not only are they aesthetically reminiscent of the sun itself, they live their lives seeking nourishment from the warm body of gas that floats at the very center of our universe.
I look at these beautiful flowers and I think about my own life, and I ponder what it is that I similarly seek with every fiber of my being.
Even on the most overcast day, you will find a Sunflower with it’s chin up straining for any evidence that the sun will peek its way out of the clouds.
When God created the world it is no coincidence that, along with the flowing rivers and curious creatures, he formed a flower that would act as an example for our lives.
A Sunflower doesn’t have to ask questions, or confirm who/what their life-source is.
A sunflower doesn’t wake up and think about where they are planted.
A sunflower doesn’t care how much smaller other sunflowers are or whether their petals are yellow enough.
A sunflower doesn’t care whether they are picked for display or not.
A sunflower was created to seek the sun, and that is the same for each of us.
As each day passes, I am beginning to understand the posture of the sunflower.
I long to live my life in a way that is reflective of this glorious flower’s life.
I long to live so vibrantly that the pettiness of life won’t affect my sheer desire to absorb what God has to offer.
I long to be so connected to Him that I won’t see how I measure up, or note whether I am “picked” or not.
I long to seek the Son in such a way, that people will label me for the likeness I have to Him — the one whom my heart desires.
Living our lives in breathless anticipation for God’s sufficient provision is not an easy task, nor is it something that we feel naturally inclined to do as human beings.
Though in our rawest form this was our purpose, the world we live in changes things a bit.
May we always be comforted by the fact that Sunflowers experience challenging seasons and inclement weather.
It is their example of resiliency and determination that empowers us.
Though I may find myself in a thunderstorm, hurricane, or draught my desire and belief that the Son will appear again is the promise that get’s me through. The more I fix my gaze on the nourishment promised to me, the less daunting the environment around me becomes.
