The Sunflower

There is something about the sunflower that makes me happy. It’s upturned face seems surrounded by joy!  Maybe it’s the bright yellow color, or perhaps it just reminds me of those giant yellow smiley faces that were popular in the 70’s! 😊  Melanie’s favorite flower is the sunflower.  I have found it interesting that since she’s been gone, I see sunflowers everywhere. In the grocery store, on the side of the road and even on my social media page!  Two weeks ago, I received a message on Facebook from someone who was conducting mini photo shoots – in a sunflower field!  I couldn’t believe it was located less than half a mile up the road from where I’ve lived for years!  How did I not notice this before? I’ll take it as a sign of my girl smiling down on me.

Did you know that sunflowers draw their strength from the sun?  On sunny days they will turn their face upward and follow the sun from east to west.  As the sun sets, it will return to its normal position then start all over again the next day.  I think we can all take a lesson from the sunflower.  Let’s turn our faces upward, toward The Son.

Most of us are familiar with the movie, The Lion King.  Oh, there are so many wonderful life lessons in this movie.  One of my favorite moments is when Mufasa is showing his young son, Simba, the big, beautiful countryside in front of him.  He shares with him something his own father told him, “the day will come when I will no longer be with you (physically) but I will always be there, watching over you, guiding you.”  He’s talking about the Circle of Life and if you are a Believer, then you know that God is always there, watching over us. We are never alone. (Heb 13:5)

At some point in our Circle of Life we will lose someone or something we love and treasure.  It may be a spouse, a parent, a child, a sibling, a best friend, or maybe even your lifelong job. There are so many kinds of loss, yet regardless of the specific relationship or set of circumstances the feelings are the same.  Heartache. Sadness. Missing. Numb. Disbelief. Anger.  All very valid feelings we must walk through if we hope to get to the other side.

I’ve learned that life can change in the blink of an eye.  If you’re grieving a loss today, my heart is joined with yours.  We can still so greatly miss and love what is no longer a part of this earthly life.  But just because someone is not on this side of heaven doesn’t mean that your loved one is no longer a part of you.  We can carry them in our hearts, everywhere we go.  In another blink of your eye the sun will rise, and we are gifted with a new day.  I would suggest that even in our sadness and grief, let us walk down this road together and lift one another up.  

Each day, no matter how I feel, I lean in toward the One who lifts me up and pushes me forward, knowing the Son is watching over me, guiding my every step. I like to think that He allows the veil to be pulled back and my girl will see her Momma giving it all she has to honor her. If you’d like to leave me a comment below, it would be my honor to pray for you.  May you be like the sunflower today and lift your face up toward The Son and feel the warmth of His presence along with a peace that surpasses all understanding.