OMG. . .In So Many Ways

Like a tree (sunflower) planted by the water.

Another different OMG!

About two decades ago I was given the opportunity to be part of a contemplative group at my CA church. We listened to short passages of scripture using Lectio Divina and then reflected aloud on where we saw ourselves in the passage.

I loved these once a month gatherings and to this day I miss the intimacy these small groups fostered. They were facilitated by discerning men and women who reserved this safe space for one to vulnerably share.

After hearing the verse about the tree planted by the water, most everyone in my group shared they saw themself as a tall redwood. Sturdy and strong. That is everyone but me. I saw myself as this sunflower coming up through the cracks on the Fletcher Dr. offramp, which I took when teaching at Atwater Elementary in Los Angeles. Every day, there is was - against all odds, thriving in the asphalt.

Since honesty was an important part of these times together, I shared my sunflower story - through tears, I might add. You see I felt like the outsider. Why couldn't I be a redwood like everyone else. Why did I have to be different. Until one man looked at me and said "Carol, don't you know sunflowers are always facing the sun. Their heads turn to face the sun no matter where it is in the sky"

Hmmmm. - I didn't have to be part of the redwood group. I was a sunflower. Strong enough to reach through a dirty, grimy off ramp and bring a smile to a face of two!

Fast forward a few years - August of 2016. We make a crazy-makes no sense move to Santa Fe, New Mexico. We bought the house of our dreams in July, went back to CA for a few weeks and then made the final move. Nine years ago we pulled up to our new home and there were sunflower bushes all over the property. Front, back and side yards. When we purchased the house in July, they weren't blooming yet, so had no idea the surprise I would have in store. My sunflowers had gone ahead of me.

Why do I post this now, because this picture was taken today of the first bloom of our 2025 sunflowers. And I smile every year when this happens. But this one in particular touched me. After a few blips in the road recently, what a wonderful confirmation and reminder, God is in the blips.

May all of your blips be filled with rays of God's presence. Like a sunflower!