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Topic: Spring (as in the season) (11/28/05)
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TITLE: A DANDELION'S HELLO | Previous Challenge Entry
By Teresa Hollums
11/28/05 -
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The dandelion waved its brilliant gold petals to the sun as it rose to greet the world. The lingering wafts of winter could still turn clear air into drifting wisps of exhaled air. Where were the lovely first daffodils and crocus that should be the only thing to be seen on that crisp morning as I wandered down the path?
“Dandelions—weeds!” I thought to myself. “What a waste of God’s beauty. Dandelions mean I must pull them up, probably only to find them coming back again. Just pests.” Negative thoughts continued to flow through my mind.
Suddenly, the dandelion shook in the wind and drops of dew flew from its airy petals. As I looked to my amazement, the dandelion spoke with a clear, “Hello, didn’t you hear my first hello?”
I turned back and saw that the sun’s first rays were actually outlining the dandelion in an enhanced silvery-white glow. The petals again seemed to wave at me. Without thinking, I responded, “Of course I saw you waving, but not until you made me take time to notice you did I see you were a sentient being. Why, of all people, I who try to be sure your place in the world is not where I want to be, would you greet me in any friendly manner?”
“Look closer. See me as I really am. I, too, am God’s great creation as are you. Remember all those you have forgotten and ignored by just not being around them. Please don’t place us with an arbitrary position far from God. I am as close to God as you—maybe more because I totally depend on him.”
And the dandelion spoke volumes to my hypocritical heart. The dandelion made me drop my eyes in shame for my unnecessarily hurtful thoughts. “Oh, God, please make me aware of all the times I have categorized any of your children different from me. Make me aware when I ignore and even hurt those to whom you really want me to show your love. May I be an instrument of your peace and understanding in this “weedy, yet wonderful” world in which you have planted us all. Give me your understanding and eyes to see others as you see them—beautiful and growing creations—ready to testify to your greatness--if only I can be an instrument for you in their growth.”
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