Take a Lesson From the Sunflower

The sunflowers beamed brightly on that balmy July day. Standing tall, following the sun by their inherent nature of heliotropism. During the night, they slowly turn back to the east, waiting for the sun to rise again. Expecting it. Anticipating it. A few words that may describe those sunflowers on that day? Regal. Obedient. Life-givers. Triumphant. In their prime.

Within months, those beautiful golden buds that once shone like beacons have withered. What words may describe those sunflowers now? Washed-up. Forgotten. Void.

Maybe. The dead, blackened, wilted shell of what once was is visible. But upon closer examination, the seeds remain viable. Seeds that were nurtured and grew to fulfill their purpose. Seeds that will be used.

It’s hard to wake up, expectantly facing the east, waiting for the Son to lead and guide you through the day when your shell feels wilted. So much wields the power to wilt. Circumstances that flat out do not make sense this side of eternity.

My mind keeps returning to the seed. The sunflower starts, ends, and begins again with the seed.

Life is a conglomeration of moments when we stand tall, triumphantly following the Son, juxtaposed with moments of sheer strife when we stand wilted and frayed, clouds shrouding the Son.

The Lord is there all the same. The seeds He is growing in us throughout all of our moments are invariably for His good.

In those few months of the sunflower’s prime, I’ll be reminded that the Lord is gracious and good to provide periods in our lives of unspeakable joy. Moments He shows us His absolute Sovereignty and Providence so we don’t forget Who is boss when we wilt. And in the aftermath of the prime, I’ll remember that the trials I have faced and inevitably will face are seeds that He has and will use for His good.

Whether emboldened or blackened, He sees our hearts and knows our battles. We need only be still. And take a lesson from the sunflower.

Father God, Thank You for pointing me back to You by means of Your handiwork. Thank You that no matter my state, You are with me and for me. Holy Spirit, please bind anything threatening Your strength and peace. Your goodness is unshakable, Father. Help me seek You when Your Light feels shrouded, help me praise You wholly, and establish my feet on solid footing when I feel wilted. Amen