God speaks through the simplest of things to remind me of a greater spiritual truth. I love the daily adventure of finding God in ordinary life.
Take this dandelion for example. Isn’t it beautiful? I took this picture this week on a field trip to Elitch Gardens, a formerly owned Six Flags amusement park. Something about the way this weed changed from a yellow flower to a fluffy ball fascinates me. The small parachute shaped seeds are fun for kids(and adults) to “make a wish” with. Except when they blow their wishes in my yard! Now that’s off limits and unacceptable.
Do it in someone else’s yard. 🙂
Don’t let the beauty of this dandelion deceive you. After all, a dandelion is classified as a weed, right? Hired landscapers work to remove them from grassy lawns using harsh chemicals. Home owners do the same in their flower beds and vegetable gardens using handheld yard tools. If weeds take residence, watch out. They eagerly move in to choke out our future harvest. Weeds are not welcome! They must be removed at all cost.
But like this weed, some get overlooked and thrive. They multiply fast. They hid in dark, tight places. And when they are lucky enough survive past the yellow bloom, they create another generation of blooms. More seeds for more weeds.
Which reminds me of my heart. Funny how weeds and my heart seem have a common connection. Weeds of the heart are sins. They must be removed at all cost.
Now I’m thinking and asking myself questions. What does the landscape of my heart look like today? Is it freckled with yellow dots or fluffy seed balls? If so, do I work hard to pluck them out one at a time before they take over? Do I grab my weed killer or a shovel? Or am I too tired to respond? Is the job so overwhelming that I don’t know where to begin? Do I hire a helping hand?
The choice is mine. God knows what is best for my heart but in His grace and love, He gives me the freedom to choose what to do with my dandelions. The best part is I can trust that if I do my part, God will do His.
He is my Master Gardener.
So this morning I look deeper and ponder my two choices.
1. Ignore the weeds and eventually reap their harvest. Death.
2. Grab my yard tool, hat and gloves, and start digging. Life.
The health of my heart is at stake every day. It’s time to do some yard work. Bitterness no more. Pride be gone. Anger back off. Self righteousness enough is enough. Selfishness, please not today.
As God would have it, today is a work day for me in my yard. His timing is perfect. Looks like it’s also a work day for me and my heart.
Care to join me?
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
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Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.
Beautiful post my friend, love you.
Girl, I have a devo written and ready about dandelions! TOO FUNNY! I was saving it for LWG next week. Maybe you just need to put yours up in my place! LOL
And I referenced Psalm 139:23,24 on my blog today, too!
Sister, you’d think we were walkin’ the same path.
Love you bunches!
Isn’t amazing how God is in the littlest details, often overlooked or ignored. These little reminders are treasures I collect as I go throughout my day. In the garden and in nature the Almighty’s fingerprints are all over the place. (Guess that’s why there are so many devos about these topics.)
Love the scripture too. It’s one of my favorites.
So good, sweet Tiffany! He indeed is the Master gardener, and a garden that is yielded to Him will be a marvelous masterpiece!
Bless you,
Susan
Tiffany, I’ve been pulling crab grass. Then I discovered their secret underground support system–deep roots. It also reminded me of how deep sin can root itself in our lives. I called a guy to come mow down the rest of the crab grass. Then I’m going to root out the crab grass roots with a rototiller. The Word is the rototiller for the soul.
Very nice one Tiffany. Our hearts definitely need some Godly gardening. I’m with you on this one.
[Side note: check this website out:
http://tinyurl.com/ksbq2t
dandelion actually has medicinal qualities. So, it has its place.]
I have an award for you. come see.
http://www.amazingsalvation.com
Love,
kelly
What a wonderful post! I am always so amazed at how profound all of my bloggy friends are!
Each spring my hubby battles the dandelions in our yard. I always giggle at his serious determination! Lately he has been very stressed about work and hasn’t been sleeping well. I was so thankful that on one of those nights he decided to go downstairs and read his Bible. I’m glad he chose that as his “weed killer” rather than just zoning out in front of the TV.
Blessings to you!
Tiffany,
I find that I frequently have to let my Master Gardener do a bit of weeding in my heart, those weeds do and can creep in so unexpectedly… I like what one lady said, His Word is our rototiller!
Blessings!
How I loved this post, Tiffany!
I haven’t been around your blog much, but today I was glad I visited. You take good pictures, and the dandelion pic and post are very timely reminders to me.
Like you, I love gardening, and to take shots of the flowers and plants that grow in my garden. Just yesterday I said that the weeds are growing fast and next week I have to take drastic steps.
Blessings on your day, I’m thankful for how you encouraged my heart today.