Taking a closer look at God's gifts...



Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Humble beauty...


There are few things in nature as common (or prolific) as the dandelion. Although most of us spend a lot of time yanking them out of our lawns, they're really quite beautiful where they bloom wild and free. A field of yellow dandelions blooming midst the fresh, green, springtime wash of new leaves, grass, and other plant life is downright cheerful.
 
But like every other thing in nature, dandelions grow old, shrivel, and ultimately die. Before they fade away forever, though, they give us one last look at their beauty, which by this time has been transformed from the brilliant yellow petals into the white, fluffy, wispy seeds that fly away at the slightest breeze. As adults, we often dread the spread of those seeds, knowing that a good share of them will find their way into our cultivated yards and gardens. On the other hand, no one can deny reaching down to snap the stem of one of those fluffy-headed plants as a youngster and blowing the seeds into the air to scatter where they may. For that matter, who can't remember grabbing a handful of the yellow blooms and trudging home with a fist full of beautiful flowers for mom? There are few mothers in the dandelion-friendly parts of the world who haven't pulled a vase out of the cupboard to house that precious gift from her child.
 
I sometimes wonder if God, in His mighty wisdom, didn't provide a foolproof way for dandelions to scatter far and wide using the wonder and delight of His children--His little children, that is. After all, children are innocent; dandelions are humble. What a wonderful combination of traits for God to use to spread the beauty of His creation!
 
See you along the trail...