We planted sunflowers in a shallow plastic container so that it would be easy to see the roots form.
We moved the two small thriving plants to a bigger container so that they would grow. They had narrow stems, but seemed to be growing and reaching for the sun.
We moved them one last time into the ground. They continued to reach for the sun. They grew leaves and a small flowers.
We watered them everyday. When they started to get top heavy and droop, we provided stakes to give the support.
The taller flower still developed a crack in its stem. We taped the crack and hoped it would be okay.
Both plants withered in the Carolina sun. Both slowly lost their petals.
They won’t be displaying their glory.
We will try growing sunflowers again. This time we will plant them directly in the soil.
I hope they will grow deep roots there. Hopefully they will grow thick enough stems to support the flowers they will grow.
The wilting flowers remind of dreams I have for JDaniel.
I so want JDaniel to have deep roots. I want him to be fed nutritionally, spiritually, and emotionally things that will help him grow towards the Son and thrive.
Each day I look back at the events from the day before. I reflect on the lessons I have learned as a mom. Sometimes I need to set aside gardening tools that are not working. Sometimes I need to prune areas that will prevent him from thriving. Sometimes I can sit pack and take in the glories of his growth.
This post linked to Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop!
That’s a very sweet post!! My friend has gorgeous sunflowers. She has the ones she intentionally planted (which didn’t do well at all) and the ones that happened unintentionally when the sunflower seed fell out of the bird feeder into the ground! So maybe the parallel is that sometimes the seeds we don’t plant end up being the most fruitful as long as the soil is ready!! Your post shows your love for him through and through.
I also have a sunflower that grew from birdseed. We go the the Mennonite farm for veggies and they have a huge field of sunflowers. We love to go and watch all the insects that buzz around therm. Thank you for visiting my blog.
We plant sunflowers every year too. The kids love watching them grow. I like how you tied the sunflower into dreams you have for JD.
Lovely post. And nice thoughts about how we all need good roots and there is always something to learn about ways to grow strong.
Awww…how beautiful. I love the connection between the flower and growth and your desires for your child.
what a sweet and amazing post..
nothing like how i thought it was going to go!
i love it..you are an amazing mom 🙂
So beautiful!
Deep roots are the key – for plants and people, as you have so expertly suggested. Nice post. And I bet you’ll grow sky-high sunflowers next year!
very sweet post. really like the parallel.
What a great metaphor! So thoughtful…and thought provoking.
Stopped by from Mama Kat’s 🙂
Wow. Beautiful thoughts! I adore the analogy–perfect!
Beautiful analogy.
We planted sunflowers in our little plastic container as well, and ours didn’t even make it to the soil. Good luck with yours!