It is the familiar that usually eludes us in life. What is before our nose is what we see last.

-William C. Barrett, American philosopher/ educator (1913–1992)

This morning, the dandelions are at their peak in my backyard. The recent, unseasonably warm weather has brought out these annual visitors in all of their glory. The beauty of their brilliant yellow blossoms has magically transformed the green expanse of lawn into a royal blanket of gold.

Did you know that dandelions hail from the Aster or Sunflower family? And that, like the sunflower, dandelion flowers rotate toward the sky throughout the course of the day, following the sun’s rays?

The word “dandelion” comes from the French words “dent de lion,” meaning lion’s tooth, referring to the serrated edges of their individual leaves. Each dandelion bloom is actually comprised of a compact mass of tiny, individual, yellow florets.

The dandelion – a delightful little spot of cheer in our world. And yet, because of its omnipresence, most people take it for granted. They say it’s not worth much. In fact, it is regarded as a common weed and something that does not belong in the “better” yards. Most homeowners strive continuously to eradicate this little flower which blooms prolifically year after year all through our lawns, unless we have taken measures to prevent it. Dandelions also come up in all sorts of additional locations – cracks in parking lots or driveways, along the edges of steps and fences, and interspersed between desired growing things in our gardens.

American philosopher William Barrett pointed out, in his words printed above, that many things in life are overlooked, simply because they are always there in our day-to-day landscape. So familiar to us do these things become, we ultimately fail to “see” them at all. It’s a good practice periodically to open our eyes to what is right before us — things that are actually well worth noting and valuing.

Case in point is the familiar, ubiquitous dandelion – often unseen and definitely unappreciated. I believe we have been too hasty in our negative assessment of the dandelion, for this brave and mighty little plant never stops volunteering its charming presence, with no encouragement from us.

The dandy also possesses many other qualities that are actually quite dandy. The first dandelions of spring are recognized as succulent, tasty, early sprouts to be eaten raw or used in cooked dishes. Before modern nutritional science warned us of the harm of high fat diets, “dandelion greens,” wilted when sprinkled with hot bacon grease and served alongside rich mashed potatoes, was a popular delicacy. My late father often spoken of having enjoyed this dish as well as of helping his parents prepare dandelion wine from its flowers. Today, nutritionists tell us that dandelion soups and salads (sans the bacon grease!) provide us with a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, as well as vitamins B, C, and E.

Further, my father told me that the leaves and roots of the dandelion plant are sometimes considered as folk remedies used for medicinal purposes. It has even been reported that grounds from the root of the dandelion can be roasted for a type of coffee substitute. (This undoubtedly would have a ways to go to match my favorite latte, but still, not bad for a little weed from the backyard!)

Dandelions display exemplary durability, vitality, and resourcefulness. Near the end of their lives, their yellow blossoms transform into spheres of white parachutes/seeds, converting entire fields into misty white blankets. These little white puffs are then gently blown away by a slight breeze or breath, floating off to distant places, there to begin another generation of dandies.

So, here’s to the plucky dandelion, a hardy little plant which, in spite of unpopularity, ridicule, and even threats to its very existence, is ever true to its mission of thriving in our world while providing pretty little posies for us to enjoy.

Through it all, the faithful little dandelion blooms on . . . it has much to teach us.

You go nowhere by accident.
Wherever you go, God is sending you.
Wherever you are, God puts you there.
He has a purpose in your life.
Christ who indwells you has something He wants to do through you where you are.
Believe this.
Trust this.
Go, in His grace and love and power.

~ A benediction by Dr. Richard C. Halverson, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1994

Simon did not go to Jerusalem that day by accident. Though he did not realize it at the time, God had sent the strong and able Simon on a special assignment.

As far as Simon knew, he had simply traveled to the Holy City from his hometown of Cyrene on the African coast to attend the Passover. But on that pivotal Friday, he suddenly found himself placed at the forefront of a momentous event – an event that not only changed him forever but also forever changed the world.

Entering the city, Simon observed an angry, jeering mob, encircled by Roman soldiers, on its way to a public execution. In the center of the crowd was a Man carrying a large, heavy, wooden cross. Jesus, exhausted from having been beaten and weighed down by His heavy burden, suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground. The Scriptures tell us that the Roman soldiers, irritated by this delay, “compelled Simon, a Cyrenian, who passed by . . . to bear His cross” (Mark 15:21).

As Simon reached out his muscular arms and strong, capable hands to take up Jesus’ burden, the Lord looked into Simon’s eyes and into his heart. In an instant, the Cyrenian was transformed. Simon proceeded to carry the cross, with Jesus walking along beside him.

From that moment on, Simon became a faithful follower of Christ, as did his family. Indeed, Simon’s sons, Alexander and Rufus, were later recognized leaders of the early church.

Like Simon, we never know when we, too, may unexpectedly be thrust to the forefront of situations for God’s purposes. How many times have we all had experiences in which we suddenly were called upon to do something to help another, and our efforts turned out to be just what that person needed at that particular time? And when we look back on the episode, we marvel at how differently things could have worked out, if we had not been right there . . . in that place . . . at that very moment . . . to help. We come to realize that we were at the center of a life-changing experience. I don’t believe we find ourselves in these circumstances by accident or coincidence. I believe those experiences are all part of God’s plan.

In his benediction, printed above, former chaplain of the U.S. Senate, Dr. Richard Halverson seems to agree with my belief. No matter where we are in life or where we go, he says, there’s a reason we are there. There’s a purpose. God’s purpose. And when the time is right, that purpose is made evident to us. We are given an assignment.

This assignment might be as simple as helping a neighbor who has suddenly become ill, by providing an encouraging note, a nutritious meal, or an uplifting book. Or, it might mean giving up a planned evening of fun activities and, instead, spending time with a lonely co-worker in need of a good listener. Or, it might even mean stepping into a daunting, new world of endeavor, one that carries with it much uncertainty, even risk, but also potential for good.

God has placed you where you are for a reason. He has a special assignment just for you, right where you are.

It’s reassuring to remember that, should we hear God’s call and accept our assignments, we will never go alone. As with the cross-bearing Simon of old, Jesus will always be there, walking along beside us.

Here’s to Life!
Mary

Dear Friends,

Post yesterday’s drenching rainstorms, it is now so beautiful outside that I am feeling moved to wax eloquent!

Think about it! Every single Spring, without fail, we are treated to this glorious scene. Lush, green, colorful.

All of the growing things in our midst suddenly awakening and bursting into bloom, every flower and every tree true to its own individual self. Daffodils are, and will always be, daffodils; tulips will always be tulips; magnolia trees will always be magnolia trees. Forsythia bushes are, and will always be, forsythias. We can count on it. Year after year after year.

Such a predictable and unwavering transformation is remarkable, and yet not, for we know that God’s plan and His creations are perfect.

He loves us, my friends, and His love never changes nor ends. Case in point: His annual gift of Spring.

Let us celebrate the season!

Mary