When a sunflower tracks the sun, it is a process called heliotropism. A couple of reasons why sunflowers are always facing the sun is because they desire the warmth and the sun aids in their development. I read that the sunflower often face east in anticipation of the rising sun before it emerges in the sky.
This reminds me of some reasons why we turn to The Son, Jesus:
- We too desire warmth. When I hear the word warmth, I think of words like comfort, friendliness, love, and being cozy. These all bring a smile to my face and warms my heart. “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22
- When we read the bible, surround ourselves with other Christians, or just plain ole seek God, these all and more aid in our development in life. The bible is God’s instruction book teaching us how to live. We need to crack it open, turn those pages, and allow God to develop us into the person He desires for us to be. Just as we read in Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man”, we are to grow in this same manner with God.
- Finally, we need to anticipate the rising of The Son before He emerges from the sky for His Second Coming. “But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13
Just like a sunflower faces the sun and opens itself to it, we must turn to Jesus and open our hearts and minds to His teachings.
Go Grow! Grow closer to God, and allow Him to produce a beautiful thing in and through you.
This all sounds like good reasons to go and admire these beautiful creations from God for yourself.
This past weekend my daughter, Holly, and I ventured approximately six miles from our home to 3002 Charlie Taylor Road in Plant City. I’ve grown up always knowing this to be the Futch family Ranch, but to many it is appropriately called either The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze or (this season) SONflowers on The Ranch. (Click here to visit their Facebook page.)
We had a blast!
If you go, or should I say WHEN you go, you won’t only see “God’s Garden” with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, but acres of sunflowers pointing to the sun, a playground and area for the children, refurbished and antique furniture for sale, vendor booths selling their creative crafts, fresh raspberry tea and lemonade, the smell of hamburgers and smoked meat on the grill, and Plant City’s famous strawberry shortcakes.
I saw my precious friend and owner, Denise Futch. We hugged, chatted, laughed, and enjoyed a cool and refreshing raspberry tea together. Her husband, Wayne, went to school with my brothers. Of course he didn’t recognize me at first, but when the family names were spoken it was like an old friend had come for a reunion. Maw and Paw Futch were there in visiting in their golf cart. While Grandma Futch was enjoying a cupful of peanuts, we all talked about the ranch, family, and times past. They are THE SWEETEST! I was so pleased that my daughter had the opportunity to join in on the conversation with this loving, Christian, and southern family. We both walked away with a smile on our faces. Yes, you may say that our hearts were “warmed”.
Smiles and warm hearts weren’t the only thing we walked away with. As we were heading to our car, still admiring the beauty of the wildflowers, Denise yells my name. I turned to see her rapidly walking towards me with a cup full of freshly cut sunflowers. Sweetness!
Don’t miss the opportunity to see God’s glory in nature and in this loving family. They will only be open this coming Mother’s Day weekend, and the following (May 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th…please comment and correct me if I’m mistaken, Denise.)
Photos will be stunning and memorable.
Smiles and sunshine will be your best attire.
Hearts will be warmed.
Your development in PEACE will be felt.
Tell them I sent ya. No, you won’t get a discount, but it might strike up a conversation with the owners. (*smile)
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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