Dandelions?

We all talk a lot about the idea of growing in our walk with Christ, and we often carry with us preconceived notions of what that growth will look like once it has reached maturity. We see ourselves becoming more like Christ, growing in both knowledge and obedience, and displaying the fruits of the spirit in increasing measure. We can readily paint a picture of the beautifully mature Christ follower, so we have a sense of what the end result looks like.

Let us consider the dandelion. The dandelion has odd-looking leaves and an awkward stem and a simple yellow head. It’s odd leaves are where it gets its name dents de Lion (French for “teeth of the Lion”). So, ugly or not, the dandelion’s identity is tied to it’s unique shape. Its long stem is not much to look at either, however it’s functional for the plant’s multiplication. The elevation of the seed head allows the seeds to be dispersed to a broader area than if the plant had a more appropriate looking stem that was lower to the base of the plant. The simple flower itself, though not striking at first glance, seems a thing of tremendous beauty when presented in bouquet by a child to his mother. But the flower doesn’t last long; soon it is transformed into a rather ugly grey puff-ball-looking thing. Again, ugly or not, this transformation is key to it’s multiplication. And what if it’s stubborn root? When attempting to remove the plant, if any part of the dandelion’s deep root is left in the ground the flower will regenerate.

Why all the dandelion facts? I am always looking for the flower stage in spiritual growth, rarely pondering the first necessary slow growth of the deep root, or the development of the awkward stem and leaves. I neglect to consider how fleeting stage of flowering is, and the importance of all the other stages in the life of the plant itself.