Much to my, non-greenthumb, surprise I found sunflowers growing in the backyard yesterday! I love sunflowers. They look hmm, well, like happy flowers! They are happy faces.
I went out a little bit ago to check on those cuties. Do you know what I saw? There were green vines growing up around my happys. It was kind of pretty but I thought about the fate of the sunflowers if I were to not cut out the vines. So, I got my yellow, leather gloves and the scissors and I was ready for battle. I was ready to destroy the vine that was sure to choke the beautiful yellow flower. The flower needed help to remove the enemy!
It was in that moment, God moved me. My life is not much different from that Happy Flower! I relate well to illustrations and God knows that :) I am like the sunflower, going about life and growing. All of a sudden, something attractive catches my eye and soon, it has my full attention. Isn't sin that way? It looks enticing at first. Then, after we have "given in," we realize it will choke us if we don't give it up. Sometimes, like the sunflower,we cannot let go of the vine by ourselves. We need someone to help us out. Do you have that someone to help you out?
I have been blessed to have Julie in my life. She helps keep that vine cut down! I am so thankful for her. Happy, sad, joyful, depressed, I can go to Julie with about any emotion and she will suggest,"stay intentional and focused on Him." Isn't that what it's all about? Christ and the redemption we have from the sacrifice on the cross.
Another lesson I learned from the sunflower is that, someday, I will pass away. My physical body will come to a point where it may whither away, but my soul will be in Heaven. What will be left? Will I have left a legacy for my children? Will there be some kind of indication that I was here, mattered, and made a difference? When you have time read Psalm 103.
The following from that passage answers my questions (beginning with verse 15...): As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
I love my Happy Flowers and I love that God can speak to me through the beauty of something so simple!
