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.
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