I remember as a young boy picking my mum bouquets of dandelions. The smile that came
to her face, the gentle kiss on my forehead and the soft words she spoke as she reconfirmed
what I already knew. “Sweetie, those are the prettiest flowers I’ve ever seen.” She
would say. “How about we put them on the table where everyone can see them.” I’m
convinced they were beautiful since they always made her happy.
Years later I moved
into my own home and my neighbours were consumed with the war they’d declared on
the “dreaded dandelion.” I sheepishly grinned within because I knew they were up
against a worthy opponent. Nonetheless, they brought in their heavy artillery and
advanced across the battlefield destroying and crushing under their feet, mum’s favorite
flower.
One early morning, while having a cup of coffee on my deck, admiring the
beautiful array of yellow dining room flowers canvassing my “No War Zone.” I was
reminded, everything and everybody that God created is beautiful and valuable in
His eyes, designed with a purpose.
I’ve learned three valuable lessons from the dandelion.
First, they will bring a smile to a mother’s eyes. Second, they aren’t destroyed
when they’re exposed to heat. Thirdly, they spring forth the next morning full of
life. No matter how hard they were hit the day before. I do realize I said three
reasons, but this one is free since this is my story and I can. My grandpa always
said, “If, Jesus can turn water into wine. Then certainly he can make a good wine
out of a dandelion.”
And, a final thought to pass on about the dandelion is, even
though you can’t see it at dawn’s break, doesn’t mean it’s not there. So is, our
faith 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 “Son.”
Michael W.Cochran
Faith and the Dandelion