Cactus or Sunflower
“The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land.” (Song of Songs 2:12, NKJV)
Back in my teaching days when I taught music at Holy Cross Lutheran School in Sanford, FL, we had an unusually colorful discussion. The kindergarten class was singing about nature, sunflowers and even little forget-me-nots. We took a little break and I asked them to tell the person next to them: What flower you think they might be?
I heard all kinds of answers like roses, water lilies, daisies, sunflowers and so many more. Then it was time for the last child to tell me. He was a strong-willed little boy who was not very good at following directions. He eyed me with a confused look as if to say, ‘I’m not sure I should say this or not.’ I coaxed him to share.
He told me I reminded him of a prickly cactus but with a beautiful flower. I still laugh when I think of this blonde-haired, blue-eyed little guy who gave me a real wake up call. Yes, I guess I was a little prickly with him because he was easily stimulated and always teetering on the brink of out of control.
This little boy could still say something nice about me even though I was rough on him. What a gift for a youngster to possess. He was brave, honest and sincere. Since that day, I have strived to be a sunflower. Quite a change from the cactus features.
When I see sunflowers, they are taller than any other plants as they seem to stretch toward heaven. They stand so tall and so strong that even windy storms don’t uproot them. They raise their round, seedy heads as if to say, “We are here! Shine down on us.” And then He does exactly that.
The God of all creation sends them sunshine, rain, gentle breezes and we all look up at them and are inspired. Right? Some of us are so busy with life that we miss this amazing example of strength and beauty. We can only see these sunflowers if we look up.
Perhaps God is reminding you to stop naval gazing, take a few moments from your action-filled life and enjoy the sunflowers around you. You know, He made them for you.
How Great Thou Art with Fountainview Academy
Heavenly Father, help us to all be sunflowers and to reach heavenward every single day. Thank You for the beauty and little reminders that You give us along the way. AMEN.
