Spring Forth Like Dandelions

Look how the wild flowers grow: they don’t work or make clothes for themselves.
But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. (Luke 12:27, Good News Bible)
 
 
I love dandelions. I love their vibrant color, as they spread through the green grass. I love the promise they
hold of the spring flowers and summer fruits that they follow.
 
One beautiful spring day when I was in first grade, I spent my entire recess picking the biggest bouquet of
dandelions that I could. Clutching it in both hands, I went into my classroom and gave this precious gift to my
teacher. With a look of disgust, she threw them all out the window and declared: “I will not have weeds in my
classroom!” I have remembered that moment periodically, when small children have come to me, clutching their
own bouquets of dandelions. I have always tried to treasure these gifts in the spirit for which they were given.
One person’s weed is another’s beautiful flower.
 
One of my favorite signs of spring is when the dandelions show their sunny faces. I smile as the dandelions
blanket my lawn because I am reminded that everything and everybody that God created is beautiful and
valuable in God’s eyes. And, everything was designed with a purpose.
 
We can learn valuable lessons from the dandelion. Every gift is valuable and worthy of a smile. We should honor
every gift given, just as God honors our gifts. No matter what we bring to the table, God never throws us out
of the window and declare us worthless!
 
Bright, yellow dandelions have blanketed lawns all over the world. They are strong and resilient, withstanding
gardeners’ attempts to annihilate them. No matter how hard we try, they always seem to spring forth the next
morning full of life. And then, when a strong wind blows, their seeds are spread far and wide,
So let us try to live our lives like the dandelion – small and hearty and full of life. And when it is time, our
gifts and our love will be blown to bring hope and healing to the farthest corner of the world, our
neighborhoods, and our homes.
 
So, this year try to remember, even though you can’t see the dandelions at dawn’s break, that doesn’t mean
they are not there. Just like our faith, which is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things
unseen. The dandelion springs forth with new life when exposed to the morning sun, just as our faith becomes
alive when we’re exposed to the light of God’s love. And only then are we ready to fully love God’s purpose for
us.
 
Blessings,
Pastor Katie