We are well into November and we still have not had a hard freeze. It is saving people a lot of money that they will not have to spend on heating oil. A tree in front yard is confused and apparently thinks it is springtime because it has put out new buds. An oak tree that usually does not lose its leaves until spring dropped all its leaves yesterday. In one day! It was remarkable. We even found a dandelion in bloom. It was beautiful.
The dandelion reminded me of Jesus in Nazareth. This beautiful child grew up virtually out of season. He blossomed and shed happiness in a little town that wasn’t noted for much. How could I not think that is exactly what God wants from you and me? We are submersed in a secular culture that rewards the dog that eats the dog. We laud the billionaires in our midst and have little recognition for Joe, the guy who gets up every morning and faithful cares for his family by keeping his commitments.
The truly beautiful person isn’t the one with perfect cheekbones and fashionable lips. The truly beautiful is the one that comes to our minds when we wonder whom we could rely on in hard times. We ought to start a dandelion society that recognizes all the faithful souls who bloom all yearround, in season and out. And just like dandelions they will grow old and gray but how grand it was they were with us.
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 9, 2008
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