DANDELIONS FOR CHRIST

by Alice Valdal



One never knows where Bible Study discussions will lead.  Last week, they led us to a field of dandilions. 
   We were discussing the passage in John 12:24 where Jesus speaks of His coming death and likens it to a grain of wheat that must die in order to produce much fruit.
     In our modern world we tend to think of wheat as growing in straight rows on vast prairie farms, dusted, fertilized and weeded while it awaits the combine.  Wheat is a specialized business.

      But the dandelion is ubiquitous.  It grows through the cracks in the sidewalk, under concrete foundations, in flowerbeds and ditches and on your lawn.  It associates freely with all sorts, happy to flourish alongside raspberries and roses,  carrots and cucumbers.   It is a generous plant,  thriving in clay or loam or sand or rock.  It can survive drought and flood and the gardener's hoe and when its bajillion seeds are blown to the wind it will seed and flourish without regard to property lines, cultural lines or city bylaws.

       As a symbol for evangelism the dandilion seems a wonderful choice.  The Bible Study group thought of getting t-shirts covered in dandilion clocks with the slogan, "I'm a dandilion for Christ."
        I doubt we'll convert the urban lawn afficionado into a lover of dandilions, but the next time you see that sunny weed growing happily and tenaciously in inhospitable environments, let it remind you of the power and tenacity of the gospel.  Remember that the words you speak for Christ, are like those dandilion seeds, they may take root in the most unexpected places but they will take root.

      By the way, the Bible Study group is not an exclusive club.  Everyone is welcome to come along on Wednesday mornings at 9:30.   You'll find fellowship and coffee, lots of laughter and perhaps some new insights.  You don't have to have a dandilion t-shirt.