God is going to bless you in extraordinary ways

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.” Hellen Keller.

In the news recently, there was a report about some farmland that was filled with sunflowers. A television reporter was told about the vast floral display. So, he phoned the couple to ask if he could visit their farm and conduct an interview. The couple agreed. They set up a meeting time, and he was given directions.

Several days later, the reporter drove to the farm. He followed the route and turned onto a small dirt road. In the bright morning sunlight, he saw a hand-lettered wooden sign with an arrow that read, “Sunflower Farm.”

The reporter parked his car, stepped out and casually walked up a long, winding pathway. As he turned a corner, he nonchalantly gazed upward and gasped.

Multitudes upon multitudes of gorgeous sunflowers were planted all over the property. What a sheer delight these gorgeously bright yellow and orange blooms were to view. The beautiful and magnificent bright yellow petals appeared to be looking towards the sun.

At that moment, the couple emerged from their house. They stood there, smiling, and then extended their hand. “Welcome. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” they said. Wide-eyed, the reporter replied, with his hand shaking both of theirs, “The pleasure is all mine.”

Then, amazed, he asked, “How on earth did you do this?” Remarkably, there were thousands of sunflowers spread over five acres. Softly, the woman answered, “One seed at a time.”

Perhaps, you’re in a situation where the odds are against you. Stuck in the same place, sometimes do you wonder, “Will I ever achieve my heart’s desires?” Does it seem like a big leap to get from where you are today to where you’d like to be in the future?

But, just because your hopes and dreams have not happened up until now, it doesn’t mean they won’t transpire in the future. It’s been said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” And your journey to success will be, like the couple who planted the sunflowers, a progression of thousands of little steps.

Therefore, continue to aim high and strive to be the best you can be. You’ll achieve victory by joyfully taking one step at a time. And so, utilize to the fullest the gifts that God has given you. No matter your circumstances, you have the incredible power within you to create a better life. There may be some things that are weighing you down. Yet, don’t let anything disturb or deter you. Carry on in faith. With each sunrise, you can start over with new potential and promise. It is a time to dream another dream, to set creative thoughts into motion, or to meet someone who can positively influence your future.

One afternoon over lunch, two long-time friends were talking at a local seaside restaurant. They were full of stories, smiling and reminiscing about some of their remarkable experiences. Curious, one friend asked, “When do you think was the best time of your life?” Without so much as a hesitation and radiating positive energy, the other friend replied, “Right now!”

Today, slow down and take a careful look at all that you are doing. Right now is the time to make healthy life choices. Now is the time to start that project. Now is the time to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Now is the time to bless people with your words and actions. Now is the time to smile and bring joy and enthusiasm to those you meet.

Now is the time to stop worrying. Now is the time to help a person in need. Now is the time to bounce back from what has been holding you captive. Now is the time to go after what makes you truly happy. Now is your time of opportunity. Now is the time to believe that all you seek to achieve can truly happen. Now is the time to go past limitations into a world where ‘anything is possible,’ ‘miracles happen,’ and ‘dreams can come true.’

Be determined to set your thoughts on whatever is “true, noble, right, pure, and lovely,” (Philippians 4:8). Prioritize and be very selective about what people, places and things to which you give your time and attention.

A while back, I read the book, “The Life of Benjamin Franklin.” When Benjamin Franklin was seven years old, his friends gave him some money. At once, he scurried off to a store that sold toys. But along the way, he met a boy who was playing a whistle. The youthful Benjamin was charmed by the sound. So he gave all of his money to the boy in exchange for the whistle.

When Benjamin returned home, he played the highpitched whistle and enjoyed it. However, the piercing sound echoing through the house was disturbing to his family members. Moreover, when his family found out how much young Benjamin paid for the whistle, they told him he had foolishly given four times as much as the whistle was worth. The whistle had then lost its charm. Disturbed, Benjamin asked himself, “What else could I have done with the rest of that money?” And although he was only seven years old, he realized he made a rash and unwise choice.

Benjamin Franklin never forgot the lesson. As the years went by, it was purported that when he observed what others did with their time and what was sacrificed and tolerated, he’d think to himself, ‘They’re giving too much for their whistles.’ Moreover, throughout his life as Franklin encountered different people, situations and experiences, he would often remind himself, “Don’t give too much for the whistle.”

The message of the story is that time slips through our fingers so fast, that sometimes we just have to say, “Stop. Wait a second.” And ask ourselves, “What are we giving for the whistle?”

God has entrusted you with 24 hours a day. There are so many incredible possibilities for your future. You have immeasurable potential, amazing skills and talents. So, enjoy every moment and spend your hours wisely. Take baby steps forward, a little at a time. And progress at your own speed. God is at work. He is by your side. Stepby-step God is going to bless and use your life in extraordinary ways.

A sudden breakthrough is just around the corner. Be happy. Do your best. God is sending you a miracle now. Be ready for it!