It is funny how themes tend to reoccur during my prayer life. One of the most recent ones is the idea of radiating with joy.
“Look to God that you may be radiant with joy!” Ps. 34:6
With this image, I continue to think of the sunflowers growing in my backyard. Sunflowers seek out the sun with a determination that is powerful to witness. Once they bloom, their blooms lock facing east. There is this one multi-blossomed sun-flower that is growing right next to the corner of our house. In this position, it does not get full-sun all day. The sun-flower’s response- to grow at at 45 degree angle so that it may be fully exposed to the sun. This drives me a bit crazy because it makes the sunflower garden look messy. I have staked and re-stake this guy to stand upright, but he refuses to remain blocked from the light. He continues to desperately seek out the sun and grow side-ways.
I am struck by both this scripture and this image. It challenges me to ask myself- am I radiating joy? It challenges me really look at the root of my joy. Is it God or is it something else that is brief and not long-lasting?
My prayer: God, help me be locked on your light and to fully turn my face to God so as to radiate joy!
Am I looking to God to be radiant with joy?
Am I seeking the “light” with the determination of the sunflower?
Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction.
With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.
Mine do the same thing…now I know why!