Secret Life Of Sunflowers

Standing tall with their faces to the east, the sunflowers wait in anticipation of the rising sun. As the sun breaks the horizon and begins to mount in the sky, the fields of sunflowers stretch their petals upward as if reaching out in worship. Their faces follow the sun’s movements as it glides across the sky until the sun bids goodnight in the west. Those adoring flowers take their last glance as the sun disappears below the horizon and then as the sky darkens into the night, the loyal sunflowers slowly turn their heads to face the east again to stand watch for the sun’s return. These magnificent flowers actually do this! It is called heliotropism. They were created with an internal clock that resets itself day after day. As they age, they begin to slow and stop moving to follow the sun and just keep their faces toward the east which allows them to heat up more quickly in the morning. These big, vibrant flowers have traits that mirror the sun and its energy provided by its light and heat. It’s no wonder they make people smile when they see them. They have long been symbols of adoration, loyalty and faith which is understandable as you study their characteristics. Could it be that these beauties are showing us something very important? Romans 1:20 exclaims that “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” It say’s that God created all things on the earth to point to him so that no one can say I didn’t know he existed.

So then, what can we learn from these bright, beautiful flowers? First and foremost, they know to keep their “eyes” on the sun, they expectantly watch for it day after day and then follow it. We too should keep our eyes on the Son (Jesus). We should be expectantly watching for His return every day and follow Him as he set the example for us in scripture. It is prophesied that Jesus, the Son, will return coming from the east (Matthew 24:27). Then in Ezekiel’s vision he said he was taken “to the gate of the Temple which faced east and there he saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east” (Ezekiel 43:1-2). Jesus came to earth, the first time, from the east according to scripture (Matthew 2:1-2). The Magi saw His star in the east and followed it to where it rested over the place where Jesus was born. Just like these flowers seek the light everyday, we, too should be seeking light and truth each day through the Holy Spirit. Even as we age, we should be standing tall in our faith and eagerly watch for his return. We should practice being loyal and faithful to the Son and sing praises of adoration every chance we get. Let His energy warm you and make you vibrant so that others will smile when they are with you. Keep your face looking up and your arms outstretched as you follow the Son from one day to the next.