Daily Bread June 20

Sun-Turner
Pam Cress of Bonney Lake, WA, USA


“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. -Luke 6:43-45

Seeking the cooler air of a heavily-wooded walking trail on a very hot, end-of-summer day, I was enjoying some exercise. The trees grew so closely together that the bright sunlight only peeped through in small, rare patches. Lush ferns and moss were abundant among the trees and rocks.

After about an hour, my senses had filled with the shadowed greens, grays, and browns, and my thoughts drifted inward. My never-ending “to do” list came to mind. I mentally added some new items, and then worried over how they might fit into my already tight schedule. The burdens and concerns of some loved ones came to mind, and I offered short prayer thoughts and made mental notes of calls to make or cards or notes to send in support and care. With some labored breathing, I gained the top of an upward slope in the path and…surprise!

There stood a sunflower! In a place where a sunflower should not be! I love sunflowers with their bright yellow and gold heads that seek the sunlight. The French word for sunflower, tournesol, literally meaning “sun-turner” in English, has always charmed me. This one had no regular access to sunlight in the forest. Nevertheless, it had turned to face east where the sun could be expected to rise.

As I stopped to admire the little sun-turner living in the depths of the shadowed forest, I felt wonder, even hope. It felt like a sacred reminder of God’s amazing care and love…and provision above and beyond the boundaries of our expectations or shadowed concerns.

I curiously wondered who else had noticed the sunflower or who had passed by unseeing, intent on counting steps or heartrate or a billion other things. I offered a silent prayer of gratitude for seeing. Then I deepened the prayer to one of thanksgiving for the God who holds all of creation and brings sunshiny light even when I do not think to look for it.

Surprise!

Prayer Phrase

Wherever I am, God is here.

Spiritual Practice

Breathe deeply and prayerfully consider the story you have just read. What is the Spirit’s invitation to you in these words? What does it look like to wake up to God’s presence in this moment?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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