(John 8:12, John 15:4–5, Psalm 1:3)

As I’ve been preparing to lead a women’s retreat up in New Hampshire – a gathering themed around sunflowers -I’ve found myself learning as much about my own walk with Jesus as I have about the life cycle of the sunflower itself. Each stage of its growth tells a story about dependence, transformation, and light. The more I study it, the more I see how creation quietly preaches the gospel.

Sunflowers, like all plants, depend on a process called photosynthesis to live and grow. It’s simple yet extraordinary – light, water, and air come together to create life. The sun provides the energy a plant needs to transform carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and sugar – the very things that sustain life on earth. Without the sun, there is no growth. Without its light, there is no transformation.

In the same way, our souls were created to depend on the True Light – Jesus. He said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). His presence brings energy, direction, and renewal. When we turn toward Him, His light transforms what is lifeless within us into something beautiful and life-giving.

As I’ve reflected, I’ve realized that this transformation isn’t forced; it’s received. The sunflower doesn’t strive to create light, it simply positions itself to absorb what the sun freely gives. When we quiet our hearts, open His Word, pray, and seek His presence, we are doing the same thing – turning our faces toward the Source of all light and life.

Through that connection, Jesus produces spiritual “fruit” in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not achievements; they are outcomes of exposure to His light.

Even when the sun is hidden behind clouds, its warmth still reaches the earth. In the same way, when we can’t see or feel God clearly, His Spirit still moves within us – healing, sustaining, and transforming.

And just as plants give off oxygen for others to breathe, our transformation in Christ is meant to bless others. When His light fills us, it flows outward, through our words, our kindness, our compassion, and our presence in the world.

This retreat has reminded me that we don’t have to manufacture growth – we simply make room for the Light. The more we turn toward Him, the more we reflect His radiance.

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Reflect on the following:

• In what ways have I been striving instead of receiving?
• How might I intentionally “turn toward the Light” this week?
• What spiritual fruit has God been growing in me lately, even in unseen ways?

Pray with me:

Jesus, True Light of the world, thank You for shining into the dark places of my heart. Teach me to turn toward You daily – to rest, receive, and reflect Your radiance. Transform what feels lifeless into something fruitful and full of love. May Your light in me bring life to others, just as sunlight brings life to all creation. Amen.