About six to eight years ago, I found myself having an interesting conversation with a friend. We somehow ended up discussing my Facebook profile photo, which, at the time, I had never posted. She suggested I use an avatar, and in her eyes, a sunflower represented me perfectly. So, I decided to go with that.
This week’s blog activity prompted me to think about what image to share again. My heart instinctively leaned toward the sunflower. However, my understanding of its significance has deepened since that first choice.
Rather than simply adopting someone else’s perspective, I took the time to research what the sunflower truly symbolizes. To my surprise, its meanings resonated with me on a new level:
1. **Followers of Jesus**: The sunflower follows the “Sun” (or “Son”), a connection I was already familiar with.
2. **Faith and Adoration**: This was a new insight for me.
3. **Radiating Positivity and Hope**: I hadn’t realized this aspect either.
Last night, as I reflected, I felt God reminding me how these meanings align with my Personal Pivotal Needs (PPNs). I had been wrestling with the concept of “Recognition of Creative Expression,” initially thinking it meant a desire for validation or attention for myself, such as: look at me, look at what I did… I found this off-putting.
But then, I recalled a period in my life about 20 years ago when I truly embodied both of my PPNs. Despite facing challenges, life was miraculous, exciting, and filled with joy. I was following Jesus, filled with faith, hope, and positivity. My conversations were not about seeking praise for myself, but about sharing His goodness and the blessings I experienced.
Now, I realized that recognition of my creative expression was not about me being elevated; it was a reminder that God sees me, hears me, and loves me.
My heartfelt desire now is to live the rest of my life in that space again radiating the joy and faith that comes from following Him.
I love and agree with your ending statement, because it’s the truth!
“You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God ;
it was never between you and them anyway.”.
I declare many blessings for you!
Thank you for reading and responding to my blog. My color code is: White – Peace. I learned that as I leaned more into “my heavenly family” I became more and more at peace, I want everyone to experience peace. I appreciate you seeing some yellow in me, because there is some creativity within me.
I did not know the facts about the Sunflower. You are probably a “Yellow Color Code ” person who is very creative. Wonderful that you share the Lord with others!
What a beautiful meaning. I have come to realize that what I seek is actually to be a person God can be proud of. This was a big revelation to me as well. I always struggled to accept praise or compliments even though a part of me wanted it. I have found through my journey of self discovery that it is not recognition from people for creative expression but recognition from myself and from God. I want to be proud of myself and know I have done my personal best. It reminds me of the poem by mother Teresa called “Do it anyways” where she says at the end she says
“ Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough.
Give the best you’ve got anyway.
You see,
in the final analysis it is between you and God ;
it was never between you and them anyway.”.