In Which It Is Explained Why Dandelions Are My Favorite Flower...

OK, so no, I don't plant dandelions or anything. However, I am crazy enough that I don't pull them out of the lawn either-- I consider them flowers, not weeds. Why? Because ever since Mugger was 2 and started giving them to me on weekly Wednesday walks with my parents, those little bits of sunshine have held a special place in my heart. Mugger is 5 now (or 5 and three-quarters as he will tell you), and he still gives me a dandelion when we're out walking and he spots the little trophy.

Dandelions have cemented their place in my heart for another reason, too. Reprinted below is the first portion of one of my all-time favorite songs, "Dandelions" by Five Iron Frenzy (a great Christian punk-ska band):

In a field of yellow flowers,
underneath the sun,
bluest eyes that spark with lightning,
boy with shoes undone.

He is young,
so full of hope,
reveling in tiny dreams,
filling up his arms with flowers,
right for giving any queen.

Running to her beaming bright,
while cradling his prize.
A flickering of yellow light,
within his mother's eyes.

She holds them to her heart,
keeping them where they'll be safe,
clasped within her very marrow,
dandelions in a vase.

She sees love, where
anyone else would see weeds.
All hope is found.
Here is everything he needs.

The song then goes on to compare our relationship with God in much the same terms:

Fathomless your endless mercy,
weight I could not lift.
Where do I fit in this puzzle,
what good are these gifts?
Not a martyr or a saint,
scarcely can I struggle through.
All that I have ever wanted
was to give my best to you.

Lord, search my heart,
create in me something clean.
Dandelions
you see flowers in these weeds.

Gently lifting hands to heaven,
softened by the sweetest hush,
a Father sings over his children,
loving them so very much.

More than words could warrant,
deeper than the darkest blue,
more than sacrifice could merit,
Lord, I give my heart to you.

Our gifts to Him may not be much more than weeds, but may we give them with hearts full of love and adoration, much like Mugger presents his dandelions. If you've got 3 more minutes to spare, here's the YouTube version:


And why did I post this today? You'll have to go read this poem by Robin of Pensieve...