One of the first things we noticed when we crossed the Canadian border into Manitoba was the numerous, striking fields of sunflowers.

“Why do sunflowers look like a miniature sun?” Asked one of my boys.

Good question! And isn’t it true? Sunflowers are one of the only flowers that always face the sun. Throughout the day the flower turns with the sun, soaking in the sunshine until the last rays sink into the west, then they slowly turn back towards the east so that they don’t miss even one ray of the precious light at sunrise. Is it possible that one of the reasons they resemble the sun is that looking at the sun has become their primary goal in life?

There is so much we can learn from these beautiful flowers! How different our existence would be if our whole purpose in life became to soak in the grace of God’s Son, to reflect His spender to others around us! People would notice that we were different. People would begin to wonder why!

Remember Peter and John? It was clear to anyone that they had been with Jesus. Their whole countenance reflected their relationship with their Maker. It couldn’t be hidden! “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13 NIV).

The same was true for Moses: “When he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant.” (Ex 34:34-35 NIV)

Friends, you cannot hide a relationship with God. It is noticeable to anyone, because it makes you stand out, because you begin to reflect the glory of our Maker. We are told to: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph 5:1-2 NIV). May I encourage you to pursue this endeavor, and to persevere in soaking in and cherishing your relationship with your Forever friend. When you do, it will become noticeable to those around your. Only by putting your relationship with Him as your utmost priority will your countenance start to reflect His grace.

May we all experience the insatiable thirst for God that Enoch had. Worldly matters will start to look dim once we fully experience God in our lives. “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (Gen 5:24 NIV)

Thank you, sunflowers, for sharing this important lesson with us!

Rob Chaffart