By Pam Cress of Camano Island, Washington, USA

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

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

“…my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).

Spiritual Practice

Light

Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

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.