Monday, October 4, 2010

I am Sister Sunflower


This evening I opened a card, a gift for celebrating the Feast of Saint Francis. On the front of the card was a sunflower. I have always loved sunflowers, in fact I felt at home and happy when Maureen showed me the beautiful sunflowers she had planted in the side yard.

1989 was the year I believe I first gained an affection for the strength and beauty of the flower named after brother sun. I was in second grade and preparing for my first Holy Communion, we were taught a children's song that was suppose to teach us the way of discipleship.

"Like a sunflower, that follows every movement of the sun. So I turn toward you, to honor you, my God."

So simple, but I couldn't think of a better image for the Feast of Saint Francis than that of the sunflower following the path of the sun. If God is the sun, I am the flower constantly turning my head toward my loving creator, the one who gives me life, sustains me with rays of light, and nourishes my every need. Just as Francis lived his life vowed to a gospel way of living, following the movements of God within his soul, I too turn toward God.

As I drove home this evening I was overwhelmed with tears of joy, out of no where I felt emotions welling up and expressing themselves. Have I finally found home? Not the home we live in, or the building that shelters us, but the feeling deep within our souls that assures us of our divine inheritance. I don't know that I really understand the answer to this question at this point in my journey, but there is a build up of hope like the tension of tectonic plates on the verge of a major earthquake, but unlike the destructive outcome of plate tectonics this build up brings immense goodness and joy!

In the quiet of my room this Feast of Saint Francis I sit blessed by God, graced by community, supported by my sisters, entranced by the life of Francis, and captivated with the movement of the Holy Spirit. Trinitarian love bonds me to the reality of the call within my heart, placed there by God. I am a disciple of God, who longs to live the gospel life; I am sister sunflower.


9 comments:

  1. Sara, I love your blog. Why? It is very interesting, entertaining, and well written! I will pray for you while you discern religious life. I have known the Sisters of St. Francis for over 45 years ... they are the bestest of the best!! May God bless you. Marie (OLA congregational staff)

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  2. Thanks Marie! I love to write so it's been a wonderful experience to share all my thoughts with so many people. I'm glad you enjoy it! Thanks for your support!

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  3. I too am a lover of sunflowers! Happy Feast Day. Across the street at CCS we are praying for you!

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  4. Thank you! Do you work at Corpus Christi School? The comment came up anonymous. Just curious who all out there is reading . . . I'm very grateful for your prayers!!! Thank you!!!

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  5. What a great blog. You are really blessed to be discerning with such a great community. Keep up the good work!

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  6. Yes, I work at Corpus Christi- I didn't quite know how to not be anonymous. I teach Kindergarten and went to the same high school as Sr Joan (although in different decades). Educated by Franciscans grades 1-12. Enjoy reading your posts. Love your writing style.
    Cindy

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  7. Thanks Cindy! I'm really glad you are enjoying it! It's great to write, but it's also great to write for people! Nice to know you're out there! Someday I'm sure we'll meet! Take care and thanks again for reading!

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  8. Yes, you are Sr. Sunflower, although I would have named you Sr. Sunshine due to the light of Christ reflecting from you to all of us. You are in inspiration, dear Sara. My prayers are with you.

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  9. THANKS CAROL! You all are so amazing! Thanks for all your support!!!

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