November 4th

November 4th

Read: Matthew 13:3-23

One day my 8-year-old son asked me, “Mom, why are there so many dandelions?” He heard me out about deep roots and umbrella-like seeds, but I think he really wanted to know what their purpose is.

That started me thinking about dandelions and their God-given ability to survive when other plants might die because of drought or man’s interference. Even mowing will not kill a dandelion! I was inspired to write the following poem:

DANDELION
How fine a thing–to grow to be
A flow’r in the garden of God!
`Tis hard to choose what would be me
A-growing in the sod.

A rose would lend its fragrance
As incense `round God’s throne.
The lily pure would speak of Christ
Who suffered and died alone.

What fun to be a violet
A-hiding in the grass,
Or a pansy with a happy face
To smile as people pass.

How bravely doth the crocus
Crowd up through springtime’s snow,
And think how a friendly daffodil
Does nod as breezes blow.

How nice to be a hollyhock
Standing straight and tall
Or bold chrysanthemum who helps
To color things in Fall.

But a dandelion, rooted deep
Within that fertile field,
Would cast its seed upon the wind
And bring a greater yield.

Oh, let me be that humble flower,
Survivor of the plow,
Which clings to life with greater power
Than the lovelier flowers that grow.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to send my roots deep intoYou for Your sustenance and keep the flower of my life fresh and lovely. Then allow Your seeds to flow from my life to others so that they too can bloom for You..