• Just as the seed of the sunflower reflects what it is called to be, the seed of Christ in Sr. Esther called her to a life of authenticity, compassion, and community as a Benedictine sister.
• Just as sunflowers know by their nature how to turn to seek the sun, Sr. Esther knew in her bones that she was meant to seek God, and in her life she constantly grew and changed as she turned toward God (the Benedictine practice of conversatio).
• Just as sunflowers follow the path of the sun and are held in its gaze, Sr. Esther followed God’s path with obedience as she was called to challenging leadership and ministry positions, and God was with her.
• Sunflowers extend their roots into the earth (stability) and grow best in fields with others (that is, in community); Sr. Esther thrived in her relationships, based in the stability of her extended family in Seneca and her Benedictine community in Atchison.
• The leaves of sunflowers are in the shape of a heart; they lean into and support other sunflowers, and their seeds become food for others. Sr. Esther had boundless compassion, was a source of support to a great many people, and gave of her time, expertise, and wisdom to nourish others.
• As sunflowers age and wither, they end their journey facing God, leaving behind seeds to feed others; Sr. Esther kept her sight on God until her last breath, and her compassion and wisdom will continue to nurture all those who knew her.
I am grateful to have lived in community with Sr. Esther, with her sunny personality and great depth of soul. May she continue to thrive in God’s kingdom until we are reunited with her in heaven’s flowering fields of gold.
