The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever. Isaiah 40:8
Who knew? I guess everyone but me. I thought the yellow dandelion was its own flower, not merely the first incarnation of the same flower I had always come to call the daffodil. I know, I know. I’m from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, so I should automatically know the wildflowers that grow so rampant in our neck of the woods; nevertheless, I have obviously been confused for all of my years on this earth. All my life, I have considered the yellow flower that overtakes so many lawns and mountainsides to be dandelions and its reincarnated fluffy white form to be daffodils. A huge mistake on my part that almost resulted in a full blown argument with my husband until he called a lady in our church to corroborate his side of the story.
The fact that I had been so wrong for so long about these two flowers bothered me. So, I took to the internet to read up all I could about the two flowers, and I found out some very interesting facts. However, what surprised me more than anything was the fact that so many people consider the dandelion to be a weed. I was in shock because the dandelion in both of its forms has always held a special beauty to me. In its first form, it is the pretty little flower that popped up among all the green of our yard, bringing its vibrant color to a monotone landscape. In its second form, it was the cotton top flower that tempted me always to take a deep breath and blow its little white seed all over my mom’s yard. Both versions of the dandelion have always held a special beauty to me, and both have always been a flower in my mind, not a weed.
Do you know that dandelions have medicinal properties that have been used by people for centuries? That they are safe to be consumed by humans and actually provide many vitamins? That much wildlife flourishes because of the dandelion diet, including small birds, rabbits, and bees? That their roots can penetrate the soil up to fifteen feet and their stalk can reach up to two feet in height? That their roots pull nutrients from deep in the soil and makes these nutrients available to other plants whose roots don’t go so deep? That their wide spreading roots loosen hard, packed soil, which aerates the earth and reduces erosion? That the milky substance that comes from their stem when cut can be used as a laxative and mosquito repellent? In fact, dandelions were purposely brought to the New World by the Pilgrims because of their many uses.
Of course, the beauty of a daffodil (now that I actually know which one it is) is undeniable. It, too, can grow wild along mountainsides, and it also has some medicinal properties, but it contains a toxin that induces vomiting. So, it isn’t a flower humans should be consuming. Also, its beauty fades rather quickly. It only lasts for a small season. Its blooms can last for up to three weeks, but only as long as temperatures stay within the comfort zone of the daffodil. The daffodil has special needs, such as six hours of bright sun each day and well-drained soil. Without a doubt, the daffodil is a beautiful flower, but it can be a little needy. This is in sharp contrast to the sturdy, self-sufficient dandelion.
As a Christian, we may look like weeds to some people. We may be “nuisances” that try to tell them about a loving Savior and try to deter them from a path of unrighteousness. These things can seem bothersome to people who are enthralled by the things of the world. On the other hand, they may see us as flowers when the things of this world begin to darken and lose their appeal. When this happens, for some people, we may suddenly look like flowers. When they are hungry, sick, or in need of help, they may see our Christian lives as a source of medicine or food to their circumstances.
Don’t be bothered by the fact that you may seem like a weed to some people in this life. What many people consider to be qualities of a weed are actually what makes you strongest. Your roots are deep because you had to dig deep into God’s word, and you always make sure you find your way to the Sonlight, where you can bathe in His presence every single day. You won’t wait for someone to water you and coddle you to keep you healthy and alive for a short period of time. You have dug yourself fifteen feet deep into the soil, latching hold of the nutrients of God’s word so you can withstand storms, circumstances, and extreme heat, all while blooming that pretty little yellow flower so delicate and strong. You can rest a while as you close your petals for a short time only to emerge again and again, this time with white petals that drift out into the wild gardens of this earth, spreading the love of God, the word of God, and the peace of God throughout the land.
Yes, you may not be the plant most desired to look upon by the world, but you are strong. You have staying power. When the temporary beauty of those flowers who did not dig deep fades with the changing of the weather, you continue to grow even two foot tall – you continue to flourish and make the world a more beautiful place.
If that is a weed, Lord, let me be a weed. Lord, let me dig deep into Your word and into Your presence and become so strong and deeply rooted that no amount of opposition or degradation from the world can make me change.
Some may think that being considered a weed is a bad thing. People will not want me in their group, or I’ll be seen as different and even a little strange. I’d rather look like the daffodil – a beautiful flower, loved and accepted by the world. But look at the dandelion. She is not concerned with whether or not she is a weed or a flower, she just keeps on blooming.
Keep on blooming little dandelion. Be all that God has called you to be.
With love, Sister Jackie
Day of Small Things 