Our sunflower forest is in its 2nd year. This environment of our community garden is something truly remarkable. In a spiritual way, these plants, like all living things, are a confident sign that God is taking care of all, including us.
Sun or clouds do not prevent them from producing food for the birds. The seeds we keep for next year’s forest produce a starburst of capacity. The capacity for the seed to remain dormant until it is planted next year, then the rain and sun will shine, and the new flower will bloom again.
Sunflowers draw forth a smile from us and are another reason to have faith in God’s glorious creation. After watching how attracted the birds and insects are to sunflowers, we see them as gracious givers giving so much more than they receive.
The Dakota Center’s motto is “Building Character, Connecting Community”. Maybe it’s time to claim the sunflower as our symbol? After all our theme for the garden community mural design is Genesis 1:1. We’re sure Fr. Hoelle would agree.
