April the Sunflower – was planted from seed in “the month of” and duly designated as such, by a certain young gardener.
O Christian! Remember this once and for all: even on cloudy days the sunflower continues to follow the sun in its focused love, even though it cannot see the sun. The Sun that illumines our life’s path is the will of God. It does not always shine on us without clouds, often, clear days are followed by overcast days when rains, winds, and storms arise, No Christian is safe from these phenomena, these changes in spiritual weather. May our love for the Sun, the will of God, be as strong as the sunflower’s, so that even in days of hardship and sorrow, we will continue to sail unerringly along the sea of life, following the directions of the barometer and compass of God’s will that leads us to the safe haven of eternity. ~ St. John of Tobolsk, from The Sunflower
As requested… the exciting, and surprising conclusion to the April in July posting, regarding the saga of a Sunflower’s struggle to survive.
Yes, indeed!
April the Sunflower BLOOMS!
Despite April’s previous dramatic turmoils… such as literally losing her head, and having her tiny stem chomped on by marauding beetles – that rascally little Helianthus just soldiered on, undeterred by the grim reaper loitering menacingly (complete with scythe) for weeks, beside the compost bin!
Turning her daily tribulations into a tour de force, April overcame all odds, and has faithfully blossomed forth.
Never wallowing in self-pity, she just kept growing, and doing what any sensible sunflower is supposed to do… No matter what!
Meanwhile, April continues to thrive and provide life-lessons, much to our family’s delight.
It’s no mere coincidence that her sunflower leaves are heart-shaped!
You Grow Girl!
💚