My Wilted Sunflower

Dear Suzi,

This morning as I woke up, I could smell the wood stove burning. Chuck had gotten up early to start the fire so that the house would be warm. We have had frost now for several weeks. I love looking out the two big windows in my kitchen; there was fog and mist everywhere. I could make out the beautiful pine trees and the golden aspen shimmering even in the mist. 

We tried to plant sunflower seeds this year to see if we could at least have a hearty flower up here in the mountain that would last through the summer and fall. They are so beautiful!

We watched as the face of the flower developed into a golden brilliant circle of sunshine. It's funny to know that we can get all excited about a flower. But as we look out the kitchen window, there they stand each morning waiting for the sun to peek over the mountain ridge. As the sun rises, the face of the sunflower stretches out to allow the sun to touch its face. Then as the sun continues its course throughout the day, the flower raises its head to absorb all the bright glory it can.

It reminded me of how we should seek to absorb God's glory and light every morning. We should strive with all our might to seek His warmth and direction for that day. The sunflower has such a pleasant, joyful face to present each day and so should we.

One day, as we drove up at noon from being at church, my eyes caught this one sunflower over to the side of the house.



         I panicked . . .

It was drooped so low and all its leaves were shriveled and wimpy. I jumped out of the car and ran for the water hose. I drenched it in plenty of water and then sat back with a hope that it would regain its strength and once again smile and be refreshed. It was funny how involved I got about this downhearted sunflower. Chuck smiled at me, knowing "that's Julie," and let me go about my task. 

One thing it brought to my mind was that when we don't stay in God's Word and be continually refreshed with what He has for us, we won't even have the strength to lift our heads to see His light and be guided by Him throughout the day. And then when others look on us, they won't be able to see the glory of His light on our faces either. We have lost the beauty of who God is and we aren't worth much to those around us.

How important to study God's Word!

II Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Proverbs 4:20-23 KJV
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let then not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health (the word here is used as medicine) to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen, closely to my words, Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; For they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." NIV

The word "study" in the Greek comes from the word speed, to dispatch eagerness, to make an effort, be prompt or earnest. To endeavor, labor, study.
 

I thought it was very interesting how the sunflower related to this truth. Read God's Word every day, don't just wait for the pastor to preach to you each Sunday, or only read books on what others have studied. These are important, but don't neglect what the Holy Spirit has for you to gain from directly reading the Word.   Learn to do cross-referencing and word studies. Get a good concordance. It will tell you what the real meaning of the Greek and Hebrew words mean in the Bible. You will have a blast learning!   Have a piece of paper ready to write down what you find. Put a date at the top of the paper to help you see how God used certain verses and subjects at special times in your life to help you grow.   Now go out and show God's glory to the world around you at work and play. Your children and husband should be the first to see the Son on your face.

 

 
Dear Julie,

I enjoy your insight on these beautiful moments which you share with me, they are so encouraging as you set a challenge in front of me. Thank you.

B ut, whatever happened to the wilted sunflower? Don't leave me hanging.

Dear Suzi,

Ohhhh! 
You couldn't see it beaming back with thanks!  :o)))

I guess I better finish the story.

I checked on the sunflower all through the day and it sat limp.  The next morning as I stood on the back porch waving good bye to Chuck, my eyes caught the beauty of the sunflower standing straight up, holding its head high ready for the sun to touch its face.  I got all excited and tried to motion to him what had happened. He rolled down his window and said, "What?" 

And I said, "It's smiling! The sunflower, it's happy."  Again, he smiled and waved good bye as he went off to work.

~ Julie Bergeron        

 

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