Sunflowers make me smile.
They just look sunny with their petals extending like rays of sunshine. These stunning beauties stand in contrast to the sky and nearby vegetation, punctuating the landscape with brilliant color. These flowers intrigue me for several reasons.
Vincent van Gogh, working in southern France, selected sunflowers out of all of God’s creation as the subjects of five paintings in 1888 and 1889. Maybe the artist chose them because they naturally draw the eye or maybe the sunflowers he saw brightened his day.
Sunflowers remind me of cheerful people who brighten the day wherever they are. Does someone who fits that description come to mind? Is there someone you’re always glad to see? Do you know a person who seeks to encourage other people?
Speaking kind words, calling a person by name with eye contact, offering help, or simply smiling warms the heart of the recipient.
Encouraging people are like sunflowers.
- They both stand tall in contrast to their surroundings. In an environment of stress, gossip, or discouragement, a sunflower person can turn the atmosphere from negative to positive.
- These floral wonders follow the sun’s position from morning to evening. (For word-loving and science-loving readers, the term is phototropism.) The Bible promises hope and peace to those who follow Christ Jesus, God’s Son. (Colossians 1:27, Psalm 29:11)
- Sunflowers point west in late afternoon. Supportive friends can point the way to wise counsel, a brighter outlook, or tangible help.
- These plants not only provide beauty but offer useful gifts such as yummy seeds and the oil that flavors my favorite popcorn. Encouraging people add value to the lives of others by offering positive words, acts of kindness, or small gifts that bring joy and hearten others.
- Sunflowers, just like people, come in many varieties. Regardless of our gifts or background, opportunities to Brighten Someone’s Day abound.
Be a “sunflower” in someone’s life today! 
Therefore encourage one another and build one
another up, just as you are doing.-1Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
Your Turn to Share . . .Let’s gather ideas!
Where do you find encouragement? How do you pass it along to others?
I look forward to reading your contributions in the comments below!
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Thank you!
So uplifting. Wonderful inviting site. I look forward to reading more of your blog & your insightful insights! Congrats my special friend! You are a Sunflower in my life.
Karen
I appreciate you sharing this venture with me. You inspire me!
I loved this entry…it was written on Mike’s birthday….When choosing his funeral flowers our daughter insisted on having sunflowers included….she said that they reflected his bright personality. He was a sunflower to many lives…especially mine.🌻
What a beautiful tribute to Mike! You’re so right.
Jeannie, I immediately thought that the picture of you looks like a “sunflower person.” I love the analogies!
I appreciate you stopping by and commenting, Glenda. It’s time to plant sunflowers!
This was so inspiring! I want to strive to become a better sunflower daily to those around me!
So proud of you!
Your goal is one for which we can all strive. Thank you.
I just love this. Everyday when I walk in my gardens I am encouraged with each new bloom. I get so excited when I see the bulbs I planted weeks ago popping their heads through the dirt. It reminds me that God’s miracles happen each and every day in the garden. It is also a reminder that sometimes prayers are not always answered right away. But weeks later when you least expect it, God provides an answer. A garden is a simple thing, yet it gives me hope each day and with each season that God is in control and he will provide. My Grandmother always said that if you have 2 flowers, give one of them away and next year you’ll have twice as many. She was so right!!
Pam, what beautiful words and thoughts you shared! Your gardening is a perfect example of God answering prayer in His time. I absolutely love your grandmother’s thought. Thank you so much for sharing.
This is my heart’s cry, to be an encouragement to others. Thank you for being so inspiring!
Just as the sunflower adds beauty and as serves a purpose, so do we as Christians. We have the opportunity to shine beautifully and strive to add positivity in this world . With just a smile, we can brighten someone’s day. Thank you, Jeannie.
Dawn, thank you so much for your comments and your beautiful description of the way we can brighten someone’s day.