So much more than a weed

What do you suppose the wind wished for when it blew on this dandelion?

How many seeds do you suppose it scattered?

The dandelion is so much more than a weed.  It's a plant that's been around for 30 million years ago.  Parts of it have been used to make coffee, tea, salads, wine, and root beer.  It has medicinal properties and leaves abundant in vitamins.  And it's inspired numerous festivals, including this one. 

For more fascinating information on the dandelion, click here.

And give your dandelions a little respect.

Words on being wordless

I often post a picture with no words for Wordless Wednesday, 

a "linky party" of images that need no words.  

It might be a picture like this one of a bluebird perched in a tree in my garden. 

He speaks of happiness and Spring and hope.

Or this one of the dandelion in my garden this morning, reminding me of 

childhood days, blowing dandelion puffs and making wishes.

Or this one of rose buds, shedding tears of morning dew -  

mixing messages of beauty, joy, and sorrow.

I might post this photo of the Adirondack chairs in their new location, calling to me to sit 

with a cool drink while I watch the birds at the feeders.

Or the photo of the pentstemon dancing by the birdbath, suggesting I join them in

stretching out my arms and twirling through the grass.

But there are times when I am wordless, not because no words are 

necessary but because I am bereft of them.

There are times when I am hungry for words and have none.  

When I long to speak my heart but don't know how.  

God, there are moments when we do not know what to say, so we come to just sit with you. 

Stay with us and hold us close. Amen.

A prayer by Michele Thomas-Bush from the Myers Park Presbyterian Church (Charlotte, NC) 

daily devotional   

April 11, 2011