Open to the Light

I want to pick a bouquet for the table! Let’s go outside and see if any flowers are blooming.

These yellow ones are pretty. What are they called? you ask. They are black-eyed-Susans, and I think they will look very cheerful on the table! See how their petals are golden like the sunshine? The buds are green because they haven’t opened up to the light yet. It is the same way when we open our hearts to God’s love. Everything is gloomy and dark when we are selfish, but if we trust God, He fills us with His light!

Oh, look at this one, you say. Its petals are all funny! How strange. It looks like it was afraid to open its petals up, doesn’t it? I think it was being selfish and that made it ugly, you say. That is a good reminder to us, isn’t it? If we think we must take care of ourselves, then our lives become shriveled up like this poor flower. Who is supposed to care about you? My parents, you say. And God, too. Do they care about you because you work so hard or are very smart? You shake your head. No, it is because you need them and they love you. Just like the flowers need the sunshine. When they open up to the light, they become beautiful.

Like these ones! you say, holding up a bright handful. Yes! And our lives can be just as bright and cheerful, if we don’t forget their secret. Let’s tell God all of our needs, and trust Him to care for us. And not curl up any of our petals! you say with a smile. That is right. If we close our heart, He cannot help us, can He? God wants to give us His peace and joy every day, so let’s remember to ask Him for help in all our problems. God is like the great sunshine and knows how to make our lives beautiful and bright. Let’s open our hearts to Him!