Learning From Observing ~

"God dwells in His creation and is everywhere indivisibly present in all His works. He is transcendent above all His works even while He is immanent within them."   A W Tozer

I have always loved observing nature, looking at it - watching it - all of God's creation, I take it all in with seeing little lessons the Lord seems to have weaved in. I've been this way all my life as long as I can remember having many take aways - valued life lessons if you will. 

Recently I had been watching the growth of both a striped sunflower and a black oil sunflower that started from seed left by birds I regularly feed. Being I notice such things it's crazy where I see them sprout sometimes! This year I took particular interest from the black sunflower growing just out back in one of my large containers. I decided to share with my group what I learned from simple observing, I thought I'd share a bit of what I shared here.

The seed I love the most is striped sunflower and black oil sunflower seeds since they produce that beautiful flower. I was recently noticing the growth of one that sprouted in a container, as it grew, I noticed how it seemed to follow the sun. Every morning the top where the beautiful flower opens it was facing the east where the sun comes up and by nightfall it was facing the west where the sun goes down, it had followed the sun throughout the day.

By morning it was already facing east as waiting - anticipating the sun to rise. This isn't just fascinating to me but a reminder that we also should follow the "Son" and in anticipation be ready and waiting each morning for something He has for us. Be expectant, the one who is looking forward.

For the sunflower more sunlight equals growth and the plants turn over night to face east again. It is called circadian rhythm. For the follower the more 'Son-Light' equals growth and we should be ready focused on Him first thing in the morning and follow throughout the day.

As you grow mature in the Lord focused on Him - like the sunflower once grown to size and petals open all aglow facing the east - we learn to anticipate - expect all the Lord has for us as we wait walking in faith. As we grow opening up to the Lord we also have seeds to share.

Anticipation - the act of looking forward, especially pleasurable expectation.

Expectation - the act or state of expecting: ANTICIPATION something expected and the basis for expecting: ASSURANCE.

As the sunflower is already waiting each morning take time and wait, sit before the Lord, the more we spend time our faith grows we learn where to place our trust and focus, we have the assurance in Him. We need the Lord in our lives, at times we seem to neglect the value of growth we can have by taking time with the Son. I as so thankful I have Him in my life; How about you?

All shots above were taken early morning facing east and soon the seed produced will be ready for the birds to enjoy.

The sunflower above facing south is so weighted down with seeds that will soon be ready for the birds!

Take time - scatter some seed, sit with your Heavenly Father and watch the birds together. Get to know the 'Son' better. Shalom

The Bible tells us that all of creation is waiting - longing for the Lord's return and us to be revealed in glory. They wait eagerly for things to be set right and for the bondage of corruption, as we see daily in the world to be set free from. Our hope is coming and just because we think things aren't moving along more quickly - doesn't mean God is not moving. Are you longing in your heart to see the Lord? Let's take a lesson from the sunflowers and while we are waiting sow some seeds ~

 

Future Glory

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25 ESV