During a recent time of turmoil I was tempted to give in to discouragement, but an insight while on my morning walk inspired me to take heart.
The sky was grey, and smoke-filled from fires in the surrounding states. The dreariness seemed to match my mood.
What I saw before me though almost took my breath away.
I looked up to see a quarter-mile stretch of bright yellow, wild sunflowers growing along the ditch bank.
In spite of, or maybe because of the dreary surroundings, those cheerful, sun-filled faces stood out in their brilliant majesty.
They seemed to glow amidst the grey backdrop of the sky.
I thought of the challenges many of us are facing to stay positive in a time that seems anything but positive, and found myself likening the well known sunflower to us.
Did you know that wild-sunflowers…
-represent strength and positivity.
-can grow up to 10 feet tall.
-are prairie plants and love wide open spaces.
-are strengthened by the sunlight and wind coming from any direction.
-that are planted along a house or wall, protected from the elements, are more easily knocked over by high winds.
Can you see any similarities to ourselves?
I thought of the times when we are faced with opposition and contentious voices, when it feels unsafe to speak up or share a differing view.
Like the sunflowers that stand out against a darkened sky, so do people who stand for what is right and good.
Perhaps it’s the very darkness of the surrounding environment that allows the light within us to shine even brighter and stronger.
I invite you to use the example of the wild sunflower to fortify you.
Take heart. Take courage, and brightly shine your light.
Much love,
