Nature's Gold
After a cold, drab Canadian winter, the first golden dandelion is often looked on with the joyful anticipation of spring. But it is not long before meticulous lawn owners are busy spraying or digging them out. Although we consider the dandelion a pesky weed, it has benefits as well.
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It is considered an important food source in Europe and the Mediterranean regions. Some sources suggest dandelion was one of the bitter herbs eaten at the Hebrew Passover.
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It has medicinal value, the leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals.
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It has been used as a natural yellow dye.
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It has entertained children every summer as they braided the flowers and stems to make crowns and necklaces or played the little game of holding a flower under a friend's chin to determine if they “like butter.”
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It attracts birds and butterflies to your garden that help with pest control.
The dandelion is either loved or hated for its persistence and ability to adapt to almost any situation. The long tap root regrows if any part of it is left in the ground, they survive harsh winters and the seeds are carried in the wind to fall where they may.
I see a similarity here between the dandelion and our spiritual journey. Most of us have had times in life when it would have been easier and caused less conflict if we had been able to adapt to the situation the Lord placed us in. When wilted from defeat and discouragement, being deeply rooted in Christ allows us to grow, strengthened from the lesson learned. The seeds of love we scatter for the Lord are carried by the Holy Spirit to those within our circle of influence.
Thank you Father that we can not only see beauty but take example from these ordinary weeds that are part of your marvelous creation.
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7
by Deborah Piggott
© May 2009
