Day 3 of 100 days of hope
Sunflowers and the Search for Light
Maybe 10 years ago, I was into starting seeds—of all kinds. One of the seeds I tried to start was sunflowers. In my basement. Under grow lights.
If you know anything about sunflowers, you know they need directional sunlight to grow strong. But under those stationary grow lights, they became spindly, crisscrossed, and flat to the ground—not upright and healthy the way they were meant to be.
When it came time to plant them, I had to carefully unravel each one and place them in the ground. I honestly wondered if they would ever stand tall again. But as it turned out, once they were outside and able to follow the sun from morning to night—and then look east for it again each morning—they became strong and upright, just as they were designed to be.
Why I Love Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers, and here’s why: they look for light. And when they do, they’re better for it. They turn into little rays of sunlight themselves. Following the sun helps them grow into what they were always meant to be.
And so it is with us. When we look for light and hope, we will find it. Sunflowers remind me that growth happens when we’re facing the right direction. That inspiration is always there—if we’re willing to look.
Lessons from the Trail
As I was hiking this morning, I noticed sunflowers again. I noticed little bees sleeping inside them. I noticed the sun rays shining all around them.
They are the perfect example of looking to the Son—looking to the Savior—for guidance, light, and direction. It matters where we face. And when we face the right way, we can have hope that things will turn out all right—even when we don’t know how.
He knows you, your circumstances, and what you need. And He will help you through it all. Sunflowers remind me of where to look.
A Question for You
Where are you looking that gives you hope?
What inspires you on your path today? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Here’s a video I made, sharing more about my journey with sunflowers.
Many blessings, my friends.
May you have a hope-filled day!
Julie Burningham
The Hope Coach