The Dandelion

On my early morning walks I constantly marvel at all created things. There is so much beauty to behold and appreciate, sometimes it overwhelms me. So, I was surprised this morning when I wondered, "Why am I paying more attention to the weeds?" No sooner had I wondered than the answer came to me.

Weeds have a "beauty" all their own. They are strong and hearty, created in the same manner as those we intentionally plant in our yard and recognize as beautiful. In the wild, they can really accentuate the natural landscape with color. They thrive in spite of the fierce battle they wage for survival. And we humans can be at a complete loss to conquer them!

I have a new, heightened awareness of weeds in the same way I have learned to appreciate the winter. All things, indeed, serve purpose. Man tries hard to squelch the weed, keep it from his garden, his lawn. I observed a landscape maintenance person the other day on the greenbelt spraying weeds. This is done on a regular basis in every yard. We can control them, but we can never prevent the weed from coming back, spreading. They are so very determined and strong, they even crop up in the cracks of the sidewalk.

The dandelion is especially challenging in one's lawn. As a child, I remember the fun of making a wish and blowing off the top of the white little globe. This carries the seeds in the wind and spreads the weed like wildfire! Who knew? It was a treasure to find!

I was interested enough to look it up; after all, what we call "weeds" are still God's creation and grow in the wild with absolutely no care other than what nature gives it. And here is what I found: 

• Dandelions were introduced into the Midwest from Europe to provide food for the imported honeybees in early spring.
• Dandelion greens are wonderful in salads, sauteed or steamed. They taste like chicory and endive, with an intense heartiness overlying a bitter tinge. 
• Some people eat the greens from spring to fall, when they're very bitter. Others boil out the summer bitterness (and water-soluble vitamins) in two changes of water. It is all a matter of preference.Collect dandelion leaves in early spring, when they're the tastiest, before the flowers appear. Harvest again in late fall. After a frost, their protective bitterness disappears. Dandelions growing in rich, moist soil, with the broadest leaves and largest roots, are the best. Select the youngest individuals, and avoid all plants with flowers.  
• People today shun bitter flavors as they are conditioned by overly sweet or salty processed food. But in earlier times, we distinguished between good and bad bitterness. Mixed with other flavors, as in a salad, dandelions improve the flavor. 

OH! TO BE CONTENT

The calendar tells me it is now spring...but the weather outside my window surely makes me believe that our winter is not yet past.

It would seem at times that our circumstances fit the same pattern. We can see, right around the corner, that things are looking up. But hold on, there is still a little of the "winter" now and then. Peace of mind only comes with contentment...now, at this very moment, no matter the situation.

Impatience is but a form of discontent. I am reminded of The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck, the title taken from Shakespeare's Richard III. Both of these works show the downward slide that began with discontent. Dissatisfaction leads to desperate attempts to change, leading to ambition which can become obsession. We can lose sight what we already have and think the "grass is greener"...

I saw a beautiful illustration of that yesterday morning. The always welcome California poppy; against a gray sky, a very cool breeze, this beautiful and fragile little flower refuses to hide. It knows it is supposed to bloom at this time, and bloom it does. What a cheerful sight along the roadside. Funny how you spot them in unlikely places. And they "bloom where they are planted". Contented.

Yes, contentment is a way of life, a peaceful way of life. Weather the storms of life and relish the good times. It is all good, nothing is without purpose.

Change of Seasons

Change is inevitable...in life just as in the seasons of the year. As I watch my surroundings, the trees and flowers, the fields, rushing to burst forth with new life, new growth after the barren winter months, I am reminded that every day is new. The winter is a necessary component of life. All the old must die away to make room for the new. The beautiful blossoms on the dogwoods and plum trees around me would hardly be impressive if last year's leaves were still in foliage. 


How fitting then, that the dark "winters" of life are also a necessity. The difficulties and dark times in our lives produce untold strength and good in us. Firstly, it serves to build character and strength, humility and sensitivity to the hurts and needs of others. Secondly, we gain a new appreciation for the times when things are "easy", more pleasant. 


Life is a blessing not to be taken for granted. I am learning to appreciate, indeed even welcome, the winter. I see so much productivity in difficulty that I cannot do less than be filled with gratitude for the strength that it produces. Fortitude and perseverance...by-products of the "winter" of life. Springtime is a mixed bag...a little tease now and then of warm and beautiful weather. Then the wind and a little rain, a little cold, come along and remind us that winter has not yet fully passed. So in life we enjoy the good times and work through the tough times...not just merely survive them, but thrive.