This past week, I had a fun day with a friend. We went to the Doe Run Sunflower Maze in Arrarat, VA. I had been there a couple of times in years past, so I knew what to expect. That didn't matter. As soon as we drove onto the property and I saw the acres and acres of sunflowers, my eyes lit up. I got a big smile on my face and once we got out of the car, there was a spring in my step. There was a whole acre of "cut your own" sunflowers to take home and brighten up your living space. There were pumpkins and mums for purchase. But, my favorite two things to do were a bit in the distance.
I had never gone to the sunflower maze on a week day. I was wondering if the hay ride would be available. After all, it was late afternoon and the school field trip crowd had already left. Sure enough, the wagon came around to drop off a group of riders that had enjoyed their trip. So, we went on the hayride first. I didn't want to miss it. We rode along the boundries of the sunflower maze. Oh, to see all those faces of various shades of yellow turned toward the sun...it made me feel so warm and joyful inside. After all, how can anyone be sad or grumpy when among acres of sunflowers?
Affter our hayride, we walked past the apple launching site towards the sunflower maze. We were given a clipboard with a list of 13 trivia questions all relating to the presidents and their faith. In the maze, the answers to those questions acted as a guide through the maze. We got 1 out of 13 correct on our own! And, we were grateful that we didn't get too lost in the maze. Yes, we had to backtrack a few times. But, it was a glorious day and the sun was shining. I love being out among all of those sunflowers!
There's so much to do at Doe Run Farm besides the sunflower maze and the hay ride. There's swings, a jump pad, pumpkin bowling, corn hole, barrel of laughs, double slides, and an apple launcher. You can buy snacks, hotdogs, homemade jelly, apple pies, apples and t-shirts. The hosts of the sunflower maze are so pleasant and helpful. We had such a good time, we hated to leave. We'll be back next year!
I am so grateful that our God made sunflowers. As their faces move and follow the sun each and every day, they remind me that I need to do that, too. I need to turn my face towards the Son, God's Son and follow Him throughout the day. When I do this, I have a smile on my face, a spring in my step and joy in my heart.
