Thanks to the Son AND the Sunflower

A year ago, this day, I held a beautiful bridal bouquet adorned with sunflowers, gifted by my soon-to-be husband. Sunflowers have since become my favorite flower, not just for their radiant beauty, but because they serve as a remarkable reminder of God's incredible handiwork.

These vibrant flowers are unique in their behavior: each morning, they face the sun and then gracefully follow its journey from east to west throughout the day.

The sunflower's dependency on sunlight mirrors our own need for light. Without it, neither plants, trees, animals, nor we could survive. But the light I am referring to, is THE LIGHT!

In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.” Imagine if, like the sunflower, we were so innately and deliberately attuned to our Heavenly Father that we moved throughout our days with Him in our sights, in our hearing and in our breathing!

From August 8th, 2023, when Carl and I married, we have sensed God’s Light guiding us. Sunflowers keep showing up in random places -- each time, it's a delightful reminder of our wedding day and the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Meeting Carl was a wonderful surprise, especially after 13 years of widowhood. He is a dear, caring, supportive, Jesus-loving, and me-loving man who has brought so much joy and laughter into my life. His humor is like good medicine, and I am beyond grateful!

Carl is my cheerleader and encourager. Our mornings begin with devotion and prayer, which sets our day off with a good foundation. We worship and serve God together at church and other ministry opportunities, and he never misses an opportunity to compliment me—a big deal for a gal my age! Sigh!

Our “sunflower” relationship is a testament to God shining brightly in our lives. Keeping our eyes on Him has been the key to living an abundant life. Jesus, as the Light of the world, is our divine source of light.

By focusing on Him, our friendships, couple-ships, and marriage-ships navigate both troubled and calm waters safely. When our ships go rogue and are tossing and turning, we quickly get our eyes back on THE LIGHT Who guides us back to a safe place in Him.

Just as the sunflower continually seeks its source of light, may we keep our eyes on Jesus, allowing His light to guide and inspire us daily. Here's to many more years of love, laughter, sunflowers and the illuminating light of God’s love, grace, and mercy for you AND us!