The dandelion sprouts forth in a sea of green- a delicate plant whose only pursuit is to it capture the sun, wind, and rain. Upon close inspection the dandelion is both complex and beautiful but, it is so easily overlooked as ordinary and inconsequential.
If dandelions are considered at all they tend to commonly be characterized into two thoughts: dreams and dread.
Dreams shared by plucking a dandelion and sending hundreds of seeds into the air all carried on the wishful breath of a fanciful child.
Dread uttered from the breath of an aggravated adult facing a field of dandelions in place of a beautifully manicured lawn.
Oh, but, dandelions are so much more.
The dandelion evolved about 30 million years ago and has been utilized by humans for food and herbs for much of recorded history. Delicacies made in the form of dandelion wine and coffee. Little plants rich in Vitamins A, C, and K and rich in medicinal value.
A tiny “weed” that made a lasting mark on civilization.
Much like the dandelion, we now grasp the mark of another tiny organism- a microscopic virus that has caused the entire world to pause and shrink in isolation and fear. Sickness and death sweep across the earth like a poisonous fog that seemingly has no immediate remedy. An enemy to our existence and way of life that cannot be seen or detected by human eyes. It's mark on civilization is still in the making.
All this talk of the tiny, has me thinking…
If tiny organisms can impact the world in such significant ways, how much more can God use mankind (the very ones made in His image) to also impact the world?
Maybe it is time. Finally.
That mankind stopped dreaming and dreading foolish things.
That we stopped being so self-absorbed and overlooking the significance of God.
That we stopped underestimating ourselves and the role we play in this world.
Maybe it is time that we use this unprecedented pause to refocus our eyes, hearts, and minds back to our Creator and to Christ?
The Bible tells us:
"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." (Isaiah 55:8)
“No work is too small for the Lord!” (Zechariah 4:10)
While we may see things in this life as small and insignificant God may see them entirely differently.
Look at the Bible story of the little boy who shared his lunch of bread and fish- God used a tiny meal of five barley loaves and two small fish to feed thousands. (John 6:1-14)
David used five small stones to take down mighty Goliath! (1 Samuel 17:40-47)
Tabitha used a small sewing needle for the glory of God. She was celebrated in the Bible and known for being “full of good works and charitable deeds.” (Acts 9:36-39)
Let’s not overlook the small empty tomb that literally changed the world and eternity! (John 20:1-18)
What this tells me is nothing is too small for God to use in some mighty way. Whether it is a dandelion, virus, or YOU!
May God use the small in your life to bring about such change that the entire world will be better for it!
Sometimes it is in the small that God is magnified the largest.