The Sunflower’s Dance
Did you know sunflowers can dance?
While they may appear to be standing perfectly still, sunflowers actually make subtle, almost imperceptible movements called circumnutation. And even more remarkable, they grow in patterns that carefully avoid overshadowing their neighbors.
These aren't just plants selfishly stretching toward the light. They're dancing a choreographed routine that allows the entire field to flourish. Each sunflower adjusts its growth direction to prevent casting shadows on nearby plants. The result? Maximum sunlight absorption for the entire community.
This botanical ballet offers a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ is meant to operate.
In Romans 12:10, we're instructed, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." These sunflowers live out this scripture in their own remarkable way, preferring their neighbors by ensuring they receive adequate light.
How often do we, as Christians, position ourselves to cast shadows over our brothers and sisters?
A Funeral Wake-Up Call
Last week, I attended my first funeral in Wales, and despite being warned of what to expect, I walked out of the chapel feeling utterly devastated. The experience left me with a heaviness I hadn't anticipated.
I understand that funerals are occasions of sadness and mourning, and for that reason, I typically avoid them as much as possible. But this one affected me differently than I expected. What saddened me most? Was it the crowd of people waiting outside the chapel, not because there wasn't room but rather because they refused to step foot inside the actual building? Or was it the minister who presented the message that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God; therefore, we can rejoice that we will all be reunited in Heaven?
No wonder it's so difficult to reach these people with the gospel!
Marble Troubles, Sandy Blessings
Have you ever noticed how we tend to remember the negative far more vividly than the positive? I certainly have. Last week, while chatting with a friend about our past year, I found myself dwelling on the challenges like health flare-ups, ministry disappointments, and frustrating conversations. My list of troubles flowed effortlessly, while I struggled to recall specific blessings.
It struck me later that I’d been etching my trials in marble while letting my blessings wash away like footprints in the sand.
This peculiar human tendency reminds me of Joseph in the Bible. Talk about someone who could have clung to bitterness! Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and forgotten in prison by the cupbearer, Joseph had a mental museum of grievances he could have displayed.
Instead, when naming his sons, Joseph made a remarkable choice.
Lord, Is That You?
The other day, I mentioned I was watching old Looney Tunes cartoons. Well, the very next day, another Looney Tunes video popped up in our feed, and this time it was Jason who indulged in some animated nostalgia. While I busied myself in our kitchen, the sound of his hearty laughter echoed from our bedroom.
At one point, I paused my dinner preparations, tilting my head to identify which character was speaking. Was that Foghorn Leghorn's boisterous southern drawl or Yosemite Sam's gruff, fiery outbursts? The more I listened, the more perplexed I became. Could it be the same voice actor behind both iconic characters? (As I later discovered, indeed it was, as the talented Mel Blanc voiced them both!)
What struck me as peculiar was how I'd never noticed the similarity before.
Finding Bugs Bunny in a Broken World
The other day, I was browsing YouTube, searching for videos to help me learn about one of the latest software updates in the writing world. Because I'd been searching the topic a lot lately, many related videos were popping up. But it wasn't the educational content that ultimately captured my attention. No, it was an hour-long compilation of Looney Tunes.
Yes, the original Looney Tunes that I grew up on. Those classic cartoons featuring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, and the whole gang. Despite my busy schedule and the educational videos I had previously been searching for, I decided to indulge in "just a few minutes" of nostalgic animation.
Those few minutes quickly turned into half an hour as I sat at my desk, giggling like a schoolgirl. There was Bugs, munching his carrot and delivering his iconic "What's up, Doc?"