My Plants Bend Toward the Sun

Day 294 of Photo Inspirations -- My Plants Bend Toward the Sun
I have two plants:  one that I received from my husband's funeral (almost 5 years old now) and the other I received when I spoke for a women's meeting on December 3rd, a year ago.  Both are thriving and flourishing which, of itself, is a miracle.  I have never been known to have "a green thumb" and most indoor plants didn't last too long under my care.  What amazes me about these two plants which I have in a very sunny spot in my home, is how they continue to grow toward the sun.  In fact, weekly, when I water them, I turn them around because they're BENT over toward the sun. Those plants are leaning towards the life-giving energy, even if they have to bend in a completely different direction.  What would have happened if the plants had never been turned?  A strong stem bent leaning in the wrong direction.  Crooked, leaning, and bent. The turning, the changing – always towards the sun gives the plants a strong base.  Growing towards the sun was the only plan that was truly life-giving.

What an amazing phenomenon.  Plants actually move all day, every day. They're very slow, but they're still moving.  Plants need sunlight to make food. They absorb sunlight through their leaves. Every day, their leaves follow the sun across the sky to get as much sunlight as possible.  The higher concentration of auxin (a plant hormone) on the shady side causes the plant cells on that side to grow more so it bends toward the light. Because light is the energy source for plant growth, plants have highly sensitive mechanisms for perceiving light.  At this point, I just have to look up to heaven and say, "Thanks, God!  You did that!"

I'm sure you already recognize where I'm going with my analogy today.  What are we bent toward in our lives? How often are we so bent on one way, our way, or no way?  No turning, no changing, and maybe even not realizing we are growing away from the SON -- our LIFE-GIVING source?  But, I like to think that every day, I'm thriving and flourishing because "my bent" is toward THE SON -- the greatest of all LIGHTS.  I need Him for my peace, my comfort, my joy.  I want to absorb His  love and light into my very being.  And the higher concentration of Him in my life, the more of Him I will want.   He is my energy source for growing to be more and more like Him --  kinder, sweeter, more peaceful, more grateful, more joyful.

John 8:12:  “I am the LIGHT of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.

I believe the key to flourishing and growing is BENDING toward HE Who is our Light.  And, the more of His concentrated power and presence we receive from our BENT toward Him, the more we will grow, flourish and bear fruit.

Psalm 92:12-14 promises it:   "The righteous will FLOURISH like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord,
they will FLOURISH in the courts of our God.  They will still BEAR FRUIT in old age, they will stay fresh and green."

Bearing Fruit in Old Age

Day 61 of Photo Inspirations:  Bearing Fruit in Old Age
Yesterday I went for my weekly visit to see Mom and my great niece.  On Mondays, the youngest member of the family (20-months old), Mom's great granddaughter, pays her  a visit.  It's always such a special time to see these two together.  Mom's name is Lydia; Anna Lydia is little sweetie pie's name.  It was such a beautiful tribute for my nephew and his wife to name her after the two grandmothers. But, most importantly, Mom has Anna in her life.  Actually, I think Anna has caused Mom to hit the "reset" button, and she's getting additional years added to her life. Mom loves this little girl so much.  There isn't a conversation with her, that she doesn't talk about Anna and her latest antics or words or actions.  No question, she was a gift to Mom at this stage of her life.

At 92, Mom is proof positive that it's possible to flourish in old age. At any given time, you can walk in her home, and she's sitting at her kitchen table, reading her Bible or praying.  The only weekly outings she has are Wednesday prayer service and Sunday church, and to get her hair done.   Quite frankly, she's younger than a lot of young people I know.  She has a "can do" attitude.    Her white hair and taking-it-slower-when-she-walks would tell you otherwise, but she is flourishing in heart and spirit.  

Psalm 92:12 "The righteous will flourish like palm trees;  they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the Lord’s Temple, they will flourish in the courtyard of our God. They will STILL BEAR FRUIT IN OLD AGE;  they will be luxuriant and green."  

Thank God there are no age limits to His promises. Thank God that His Word says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL the days of my life...”  This is MY "Maturity Plan".  It is a plan based on His promises and bearing fruit for Him.  

Some look forward to the rocking chair. I look forward to new adventures with God. Some look forward to relaxing at the beach and letting the younger generation pick up the torch.  I look forward to standing beside the younger generation on the front lines of battle and cheering them on, trusting God to keep renewing my strength. Though we continue to "ripen and mature" on a daily basis, our inner man is being renewed day by day! The best way to grow old is to stay young on the inside. The best way to stay young on the inside is to stay on the front lines of faith in God and loving others -- serving this generation with vigor and vitality.  By the way, THIS generation is EVERYONE that is still alive.  Yes, this IS the Fountain of Youth!