I am a Dandelion

My daughter loves to make wishes on dandelions. She runs up to me with her heart full of joy and asks me to join her in her glee as she blows the little seeds all about the yard, much to the chagrin of gardeners everywhere. Dandelions, after all, are a weed and are to be snuffed out and exterminated so all the beautiful green grass can show through, unblemished.

But, she loves them so much. With all their flaws and with all the heartache they bring with them. All she sees is their beauty. 

Reflecting upon the events of the past week - or the events since the creation of man - the relationships of humankind have been in the forefront of my mind. I am certain I am among many who have cried out to God asking what leads the human race to constantly seek to snuff each other out - to attempt to exterminate each other? Rage fills my heart when I think of innocent people who's lives have been lost for what seems purely evil rationale.

I think of the reaction of my own heart and ask myself, can I love the one who committed such atrocities? 

14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:14 NLT

Then, the thought occurred to me: I am a dandelion to someone. Anyone could be a dandelion to someone else. 

Can I see others, with all their atrocities - no matter how terrible - as the beautiful creation God meant for them to be...and love them? Not just love them, but want to scoop them up and give them affection? 

43-47 “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

48 “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

Matthew 5:43-48 MSG

In spite of my atrocities, God scoops me up and showers me with affection...just like a child with a dandelion.