Faith Reflection

We have a birdfeeder outside the front door of our apartment. It was a gift from a friend for no particular occasion other than, “Just saw it and thought of you” after a conversation we’d had once about my grandfather and his bird feeders. I smile whenever I look out he front door, because of my friend’s sweet gesture and because I enjoy watching the birds. 

The bird feeder is a pretty busy place ost days and we keep our daily visitors happy with plenty of food. 

The interesting part of all this is the result of birds spilling seeds all over the place, which led to what Robert has dubbed our “Crop.” All sorts of seeds have taken hold n the ground around the bird feeder, but one was a pleasant surprise. 

I love sunflowers. They represent adoration, loyalty and longevity. Known as “happy” flowers, sunflowers bring joy and are a symbol of summer sunshine. 

They are the national flower of Ukraine and were seen often in support of peace during the Ukraine Crisis. 

The sunflower is seen as a sign of hope and warmth, positivity and strength, strong bonds and lasting happiness — always looking for the light.

Sunflowers represent:

•  Long life and lasting happiness, as most varieties stand in full bloom throughout the summer. 

• Good fortune and positive opportunities — a lucky charm for someone beginning a new career path or starting a new job 

• Optimism and happiness, brightening your mood with vibrant and colorful yellow and orange petals 

• Positivity and strength, as the sunflower always follows the sun 

• Warmth, adoration, dedication and love for family members and friends

• Loyalty and strong bonds, represented by their sturdy and upright stems 

• Friendship that lasts forever

One of the stalks in our “Crop” turned out to be a sunflower. I was so happy when I realized when it was. 

My favorite flower just popping up unbidden in a bunch of weeds that grew from birdseed. 

An unexpected blessing. 

Isn’t it funny how, when you’ve had one of THOSE days, or weeks… somehow out of the blue you get a phone call from a friend you’ve been missing, or hear your favorite song on the radio when you start your car, or see a particularly beautiful sunset, something like that… something small and unexpected that just makes you smile? 

Like my sunflower in the weeds? 

That’s God, folks. 

Saying to his weary and generally irked but always beloved child, “Life can be hard and unfair but you know what, kiddo? It gets better, and you’re not alone when it sucks. I’ve got you. So smile.”

Be a sunflower for someone.  Be an unexpected blessing.