Word Count: 641

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Dandelions

by Kate Hurley  
6/24/2015 / Poetry

When I was a little girl my father gave to me

The greatest gift I have ever known from what most would call a weed

I saw it growing all alone where many had passed it by

A simple little dandelion standing proudly towards the sky

I suddenly remembered my papa- the love he gives faithfully

And I thought I would give him something back for all he had given to me.

So I picked the little dandelion sheltering it with care

And walked slowly back to my little house- knowing papa would be waiting there.

But as I stood to give my humble gift I felt a sudden rush of shame

For my father was a gardener- those far and wide knew his name.

Roses lilacs and lavender- their fragrance filled the air

And I knew that each one came to be because of my father's loving care

As I stopped to look at each lovely bloom more shame pierced through me

My papa had brought all these flowers to life- who was I to give him a weed?

As I came to the door where papa stood- I hid the dandelion behind my back

He smiled with a familiar twinkle in his eye and said "My child, what is that?"

With every ounce of courage I had
Not knowing what else to do-

I placed the weed in his soil stained hands and said "Daddy, I picked this for you."

I held my breath as Papa was silent- afraid that he might be upset

But he took the dandelion with tears in his eyes and did something I'll never forget.

He spun 'round the room with my gift in his hand
Laughing and saying with glee

"This dandelion is the more beautiful than any other flower
For my child- she gave it to me."

The bouquet that sat on the table- in papa's favorite vase
Were thrown away- and with loving care- the dandelion was put in it's place. 


"Daddy, " I said " I don't understand. You grow gardens like the world's never seen.

Why do you act like my gift's beautiful when you know it's only a weed?"

"Oh, my sweet child" my papa said as I crawled into his lap

"The dandelion's not beautiful in and of itself- it's that you gave it back.

My whole life I've surrounded you with beauty- hoping you'd know how much I love you

And this dandelion tells me you'd give it all back- that you truly love me too."

Soon I saw the dandelion fade until all that was left were it's seeds

My papa looked me in the eye and said "what will you do with these?"

I remembered the lesson he'd taught me- and I knew just what to do.

I said- "Papa, I love you so very much, I will give them back to you."

With the twinkle in his eyes I knew so well he said "I was hoping that's what you would say,

The most beautiful gardens the world has ever seen will start growing this very day.

And out of his back pocket- he brought hundreds and hundreds of seeds

Acres and acres of flowers- waiting to be planted by daddy and me.

From then on we worked together- and the beauty went on and on

Flowers filled our town with joy- beauty filled their hearts with love.

Often he would remind me with a playful wink of his eye

That none of these flowers would have come to be if I hadn't given that first dandelion.

So if you think you have nothing to offer- that God can't use you after where you've been

Remember he takes weeds and makes beautiful gardens

If you'll only first give them to him.

***You can reach me through www.katehurley.com. Just hit the contact button.

Kate Hurley is a writer, worship leader, and teacher. She writes the popular blog The Sexy Celibate and wrote a book called Cupid is a Procrastinator: Making Sense of the Unexpected Single Life. The mission statement of her life is "To paint an accurate picture of a passionate God."

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