Dr. Don Kuehle, United Methodist, Retired
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“You fight dandelions all weekend, and the next Monday afternoon there they are, pert as all get out, in full and gorgeous bloom, pretty as can be, thriving as only dandelions can in the face of adversity.” So wrote Hal Borland.
Dandelions! The paradigm of persistence! We wage war against them.
We never win. Dandelions have learned how to survive in a hostile world.
They take whatever life throws at them, and come back stronger than ever.
As much as we dislike them, could it be that dandelions offer us an example for successful living?
DANDELIONS have deep roots! Their roots go deep into the ground, as if touching the very source of life itself. Just try to dig them up; try to up-root them, and a remnant till remain to take root and grow again!
A perfect example of what the Christian life should be! A life that is deeply rooted in the Source-of-Life will bloom in the darkest of times, and in the most unlikely situations. A God-rooted life will grow, and thrive, in the midst of adversity. And throughout history, many have tried to kill the Church, to up-root God’s people. At times, it seems that these enemies of Life have succeeded; but a remnant remains, to take root, to grow again, and to come back stronger and more vibrant than before!
DANDELIONS spread like the wind! Dandelions produce millions of seeds.
And with every breeze that blows, dandelion seeds are borne far and wide.
Dandelions believe in sharing their bounty with neighbors, with friends, and with people we barely know. A good example for a Christ-like person! Our faith is rooted in Christ. He plants us in every kind of situation imaginable. We are expected to bloom wherever we are. Our Christian life is supposed to bear much fruit, many seeds. We are to share with family and friends, with neighbors and unknowns, the joys and blessings of being one of Christ’s people!
DANDELIONS are useful! Especially in the Spring, dandelion greens can be eaten slightly steamed, or in salads. One can saute dandelion roots and eat them. Both dandelion leaves and roots can be used in making tea. Dandelions contain more Calcium than broccoli. Dandelions are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Phosphorus.
An apt example for The good life! A life rooted in God is useful. A Christian adds taste to an otherwise drab life. Christian are a source of strength to those they come in contact with. God’ people add zest and vigor to a life-less, taste-less society. They flavor the world with love and grace.
“You cannot forget if you would, those golden kisses all over the cheeks of the meadow, called dandelions.” So said Henry Ward Beecher. As much as we might hate to, let us thank God for dandelions!
Dr. Don Kuehle, United Methodist, Retired, Jackson, Missouri