Summer Sunflowers

Each summer for the past several years, there’s been an acre or two of brilliant sunflowers on the south side of busy Walnut Grove Road, at Shelby Farms Park. This thick patch of golden faces surrounded with dazzling bright yellow sunbeams, follow the warm sunlight as it passes overhead, from east to west.  The flowers seem to greet those commuters headed west in the morning on their way to work; and then they turn about and again face the traffic headed eastward towards home. For those who are paying attention, it’s a wonderful greeting to the new day, and a have a safe trip home nod from Mother Nature.   

Last summer I thought, I’ve got to get out there and take some pictures of those flowers.  But, by the time I got around to doing it, sometime in September they were done for the year. They were colorless, and drooping to the ground, engulfed by weeds, and ignoring the passersby and the sun altogether.  I made a mental note: get out there earlier next year. 

So, this is next year. However, each time I drove by the sunflowers, admiring their brilliance, I realized I had forgotten my camera, so I would think -be sure to bring your camera next time!  Well, last week, was next time. But, alas, it was again too late.  The flowers were mostly faded, wearily bent over and wilting; and the weeds were having the better of them, again.

So here it is: I’ll admit it, I’m a procrastinator.  And missing the sunflowers for two consecutive years only throws more light on my issue.  Now at my age, it seems to sting more than it used to: when one has fewer years ahead, than behind, procrastination takes on a whole new meaning. After all, at 55 I don’t think I’ll be around at 110…at least in any shape to hike around Shelby Farms taking pictures.

With that in mind, I’d like to be the voice to encourage younger people to get with it, to not waste time, to get it done.  But the truth is, getting things done, is wired within the nature of each individual person.  A procrastinator, like me, may speed things up based upon a lesson learned, or by the admonition or encouragement of someone else, but they’ll likely continue to plod along at a slower pace than the super motivated people.  And, I guess that’s okay.  I may speed up on some things I need to do, with the clock ticking as it is, but I’m just as likely to put some things on the back-burner that just don’t seem quite as important. 

At my age, I’m hoping that distinction in priorities is based on a gained wisdom. I mean, I hope I’m getting something out of living all these years, more than just thinning graying hair, wrinkles, and dark spots. I hope I’m learning what’s important, and what can wait a few days. Did I miss another chance to take pictures of the sunflowers? Yes. Will they, or I be there next year? I don’t know; but I do know, I got to hold my grandson Cooper yesterday, and we laughed and played together. I know I’m blessed with a wonderful family, from a loving wife who has been my biggest supporter and friend for over 30 years. I have amazing parents who have shown incredible faith, love, and charity to this day.  I have children, including an awesome daughter-in-law, who I couldn’t be more proud of.  And, have I mentioned Cooper…? And even on what would seem like a rather mundane level, I had a delicious breakfast this morning. On a sublime level first thing this morning, I engaged the Almighty in psalms, scripture and reflection.  My prayer time was just as fulfilling and nourishing to my spirit as the fruit, yogurt and cereal was to my stomach.  So, as far as missing those summer sunflowers, …well, beautiful autumn colors are just ahead; I’ll try to get to work, staying focused on my blessings, and I’ll also work on keeping my camera handy.