Inspiration for today's devotional story comes from the wildflowers growing in my yard and down the path to the creek on our property. There is something about the dandelion that always catches my attention in late winter when the weather is still a little chilly, and on my morning walks, it's as if those little bright yellow flowerheads are waking up to greet me.
“Before we dismiss what seems insignificant, we should remember that Christ created both what we see and what we cannot see. Nothing in His hand is wasted.” Sandi
Seeing the Ordinary As So Much More
While walking through my yard early this morning, I noticed the dandelions seemed to have multiplied overnight. Bright yellow blooms close to the ground look like polkadots against the brown winter grass. Some blooms have already changed to globes of delicate seedheads on tall stems swaying in the gentle breeze. For years, all I’ve ever done is pluck the stem, close my eyes, and make a wish as I blow the seeds into the wind. I never stopped to consider what they truly are: small but intricate works of God’s hand.
Every part of the dandelion speaks of unseen design. The leaves are rich with nourishment. The deep taproot breaks through hardened soil, drawing minerals upward to enrich the ground around it. The flower feeds bees when little else is blooming. The seeds are carried by wind, beyond our control, landing in places we would never choose.
The dandelion is a visible plant revealing invisible processes. This ordinary plant teaches us much about life. Purpose. It reminds me of what Paul said in Colossians 1:16–17. Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Through Him, all things were created: the things we see and the things we do not see.
What we see is only part of the dandelion's story. Beneath the surface, roots are stretching, nutrients are being gathered, soil is being restored. Seeds are preparing to scatter. God’s creation is never idle, even when it appears ordinary.
How often do we look at people the way we look at dandelions? Do we see only the surface, make assumptions, dismiss what does not immediately impress us? Yet beneath what is visible, God may be doing deep, rooted work. Like the dandelions, they are rooted in faith, persistent through every season, and silently fulfilling their purpose. Their kindness feeds weary hearts, their prayers break up hardened ground, and their influence scatters hope farther than they may ever know.
Take time and go for a prayer walk. Find a dandelion and blow the seeds into the wind — not as a wish, but as a prayer. Trust God to scatter your seeds of faith farther than you can see. What feels insignificant to you has Kingdom purpose. In Christ, nothing created is accidental, nothing faithful is wasted, and nothing rooted in Him is without purpose.
Creation reflects its Creator and even a dandelion can reveal the majesty of Christ.
Pause and Reflect
- How can we remain faithful to trust God with what we cannot see?
- Who in your life reflects deep-rooted faithfulness?
- How can you intentionally scatter hope this week, trusting Christ with the results?
Where Do We Go From Here
Let God's Word speak to your heart today, and draw you into His presence. Christ alone is our hope. He alone is our firm foundation.
Let's Pray
Lord, open our eyes to see Your handiwork in creation and in the people around us. Help us to value what is small and trust You with what we cannot see. Root us deeply in You so that we can nourish others and scatter hope for Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friends, thank you for sharing your time with me today.
Keep the following scripture in places throughout your day where you see it. I print out my scripture for the day and tape it in several places throughout my home so I see it everywhere I go. Hey, I even have one printed to place on my steering wheel in case I need to make a trip somewhere.
"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."... Colossians 1, 16–17.
So, until next time, take those walks, look around you, and see the beautiful extraordinary world God has given.
As you reflect on the dandelion that is often overlooked, uprooted, called a weed, remember that our Savior, too, was rejected before He was revealed as Lord of all.
Be blessed and always remember...your stories matter.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. (17) He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16–17
Before You Go...
Here are some additional resources and stories you might enjoy.
Travis Cottrell, In Christ Alone. Listen on YouTube or Spotify.
Life in the Gardens My garden blog. You will find stories and lots of photos of our gardens.
Visit my Bookshop This is where you'll find information about all my books and where or how to purchase.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today, the pastor said that if we close our hand around our seed, all we have is one seed. But if we take the seed and plant it, our seed is multiplied. Your post feels like a second emphasis on something God is speaking to my heart today. Thanks for spreading your seed! Your words have blessed me.
Terri, isn’t it amazing how God works? Love the words of your pastor. Wisdom. Use what God has given, plant, and let it multiply!
Love the things you have noticed about the beautiful little dandelion. As we come to Purim and the month of Adar many of us are noticing that it is a time for God to reveal “hidden things.” This flower has so many hidden qualities. I love how you picked up on them. The reflection questions are excellent and thought-provoking. Thanks for the beautiful bouquet of the day. It surely reflects the current season and times.
Thank you Gail. It’s amazing how everything points to the gospel message and the hidden things that God wants to reveal to us. Even a dandelion has a message for us!
As always I enjoyed you story. You have such a love for nature and brings out God’s truths about His creation. I alway enjoy and appreciate how you weave it all together and enrich my spirit.
Marilyn, thank you! What an encouraging comment. You are a blessing!