Grabbing up some sunshine and tucking in some hope!

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
I knew a man years ago that had the most beautiful lawn. He tended it, watered it, fertilized it, planted flowers and shrubs and trees and it was a joy to look at. He certainly had no dandelions in his yard! My yard is a far cry from being the envy of any neighbor but I do try. One thing is for certain however, I let my dandelions live! I know, it might seem a little silly but before you quit reading

and file this under the “who cares?” file would you please give me just a moment to explain?

This is Cecily and she is almost three. She is curious and opinionated and mostly happy with the world around her. Her sweet mama sent me this picture with a note that said:

“Cecily picked this dandelion and brought it to me and said, ‘I pick a sunshine!’”

My heart melted and I felt such a sweet sense of joy.

Oh to see the world that way.

Dandelions are such hardy little creatures! They grow in manicured yards, (much to the chagrin of lawn perfectionists), rocky soil, rich soil, flower beds, in meadows and even in sidewalk cracks. I’ve been told that they were once prized as a healing herb, a food source and even used to create yellow dye. Now we call them “weeds” but Cecily calls them “sunshine” and I call them “hope.”

I call them that because they are survivors and strive to live and bloom regardless of the circumstance they are planted in. No matter the conditions or the place, they spread their leaves and hold their bright heads up high and bless us.

When you slow down and look at them isn’t it easy to see their beauty?

I look for them now, especially when I am struggling or worried or frightened or sad. To me every dandelion in its bright yellow blossom form is a reminder that whatever the tough situation or the tight spot or rocky terrain I am currently journeying across or through or are in, I can make it. When the humble blossom transforms into bright white little spindle heads ready to take flight I’m reminded of every hope, every dream, every positive thought and action and I hurry to blow them from their place of rest and into the horizon.

Our Creator has placed a myriad of messages all around us and each one, in its season and in its time speaks to our hearts. We are living in a love letter, you and I and it’s a beautiful thing.

The next time you are in a struggle and the tears of worry or grief or confusion fall without avail, I pray you see a dandelion and remember that the Father in heaven, through the love of Jesus Christ, has given you greater strength than He put in that delicate little floweret or it’s spindly little seed head; and dear one, you’re gonna make it.

Blessings and Shalom my sweet friends,

Joycesarah