Reflections on the Sunflower

We had come to know your mom at the Vineyard when she started dating your dad. Last time I saw your mom was over 4 years ago. Our family had moved away from the Bay Area and had come back for a short visit with my parents and friends. We'd come "home" and sometimes have a get together with friends at a park so that we didn't spend out whole vacation making appointments with friends. I remember how honored I was that she had come out to visit us with Justin. It had already been 9 years since we'd left California so we'd lost touch with many friends over the years, but somehow we just got connected with the Wai's and she stopped by. Here's a photo of her, Justin and I on a beautiful California day at the park.
 
From the blog, I learned that sunflowers were your mom’s favorite flowers. We have this sunflower field near our home in Ohio. We love going to it every year and taking pictures with the kids or just of the beautiful arrangement of row after row of blooming yellow blossoms.

REFLECTIONS ON THE SUNFLOWER

They are Short Lived: For a brief 3 weeks in August they display their fabulous color. That's when we all traipse through the field to find the perfect spot for that photo. Anyways, they are gone far too soon from our lives even as they give us incredible beauty and joy while they last. That will be my memory of your mom as she has left our Earthly home way sooner than we would have liked.

They Grow Towards the Sun: When you plant sunflowers near the side of the house or deck and they are in the shade, they will actually lean towards the sunlight so they can get their nourishment from the sun. Your mom grew towards a different Son. She followed Jesus where he was.

They Produce Seed: Each sunflower can produce thousands of tiny seed, which is actually their fruit. When you eat one, the plant that produced that seed is probably long gone however their fruit lasts. Your mom, who modeled the Fruit of the Spirit in her life blessed many people and she will live on.

When They are Gone: UNLIKE the sunflower field that just withers away, your mom lives forever in Heaven and you’ll see her again!


Esther Lee