Resilient
Not just another pretty face
The Mexican Sunflower, known as the Tithonia diversifolia, is commonly known as the tree marigold. I suppose that’s because it can grow REALLY big; like 3 to 6 feet tall. In Mexico, and maybe other areas, they consider this beautiful flower to be a weed. Can you believe that?
This year, the Mexican Sunflower has been part of my quest to grow a variety of edible flowers. Along with the Nasturtiums and Cosmos, it’s really fun to eat (if you grow them organically) and they have a ton of nutrients they leave behind in the soil. I’m hoping to see them come back in the spring as everything I’m reading says the frost kills the flowers, but not the root.
Could it be that you are wondering why I’m giving this information out about Mexican Sunflowers? I’m sharing mostly to show they are resilient…and pretty…and beneficial! They grow really big in the right conditions and their stems can be used to nourish the soil when the growing season is over. Fun facts: The Mexican Sunflower “has shown to increase plant yields and the soil nutrients of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K),” according to Wikipedia.
Basically, the flower likes crappy soil and then turns it into good soil for other plants! On top of all of that, it attracts butterflies. Seriously, does that sound like God or what?
Over the summer, I’ve had the privilege of helping tend a garden (in addition to my own). The drought was relentless. It was pretty hot, as Wisconsin summers can be. You could probably imagine all of the delightful nuggets of epiphanies God has shown me…from insects and water for plants to stamina and electrolytes for me. One thing that stood out to me was the importance of beauty. God shows us how beauty can be resilient (when He is involved). We need not take lightly how beautifully God makes flowers and plants, instead look deeper to see what He might be showing us.
So often we dismiss beauty as an unnecessary luxury. It would seem that flowers only serve a purpose for visual satisfaction. I struggled a little with that during my graphic design years in that, clients often thought I needed to create a package just to look pretty. But, my objective was also to draw attention and to create clear communication of an important message, not design just because someone thought it looked good. It’s the same with our Creator. There is always deeper purpose.
Like any flower, God created them to “communicate” to the bees for nectar, color or scent to delight us, and in some cases, to be food for humans and animals. Beautiful flowers often announce the coming of a fruit or vegetable, such as with fruit trees or sweet potatoes. (See my sweet potato blog here.)
Ultimately, flowers like the Mexican Sunflower provide food for the soil. These nutrients, eventually, will be used to strengthen our immune systems so we don’t have to depend on pharma for our health.
It’s coming…an opportunity to be resilient. Pay attention but don’t fret. Join me in becoming like the Mexican Sunflower. God will use us in barren areas, help us bloom and make every place better when we leave! Sometimes the soil seems useless and even threatening. THAT is when we need to look up…or grow taller! We can be used if we are willing. We are truly blessed when we know Jesus.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3
Stay free…and resilient, you beautiful thing!
Chris and Marilyn
lifeinthegreen.house