I realized that the sun was shining on a beautiful patch of dandelions in the courtyard outside my window. It was such a small, simple thing, and I realized that it had been a long time since I had slowed down to notice things like that.
So I opened up my window, and let the breeze sweep in. It was pleasantly cool, and it tossed the curtain gently on its way in to greet me. In order to fully soak in the sun and view, I climbed up on the counter to sit cross-legged right next to the window. It was glorious.
But then I thought of something else. Why don't I just go outside? Why don't I step out into the full sunlight, and feel the actual grass on my actual toes? Why don't I go and pick dandelions and actually interact with nature? The thought had never occurred to me before!
This idea brought me so much joy, and I leapt up to find a jar to hold my treasures and dashed outside.
As I emerged from the dark stairwell, into the bright spring day, I squinted in the sunlight. Then, before my eyes, were millions of dandelions growing vibrantly in the grass! I was astonished that nature is so much more expansive and impressive up close!
As I was crouched by the path, picking these dandelions, I was startled by a man who came walking casually along. He laughed at my surprise and asked what I was doing. I looked at my little jar of dandelions, suddenly somewhat embarrassed that a grown woman like myself was seen huddles over insignificant dandelions on the path. I laughed to ease the tension I felt and told him I was picking weeds.
He smiled and told me about a day when his young daughter came home clutching a handful of little dandelions. Her grandfather told her, "You know those are weeds, right?"
She replied, in her sweetest voice, "Some people call them weeds, but I call them flowers!"
As the man continued his walk down the path, I looked at the jar in my hands. I wasn't ashamed anymore. These plants may be insignificant weeds, but to me today, they are brilliant flowers. I will never apologize for taking pleasure in the little forgotten things. I will never apologize for fighting for the innocent joy that these simple things bring.
Jesus said, in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." That man's little daughter found such joy in the little things around her, simple and everyday gifts from God. I want to be like that, too. I want my eyes to widen in wonder at all the little gifts God is giving, like rain, oddly shaped clouds, milk moustaches, and ladybugs. I want to be unabashedly "childish" and "easily amused", instead of growing bored and taking those things for granted.
Lord, help me to grow in childlike wonder of you. :)
