Stopping to Pick the Dandelions

Often, I learn from the students I work with...probably much more than I teach. This week, we returned to school. Our oldest son returned to high school as a sophomore, with his driver's permit and a position on the varsity golf team. Our "baby" climbed the steps of the school bus for the first time to travel almost 20 miles away to the school in our district that houses the third and fourth grades. And, I returned to my position working with special needs students. This year, I have moved up to second grade to begin my third year working with a delightful young man who often brings a smile to my face and inspires my spirit.

So, I thought I would share this week's lesson from my dear student to his teacher. We were in a hurry, as we often are, rushing to go inside for recess so that we could squeeze in a quick drink and restroom break before returning to class. Suddenly, he stopped in mid-stride. I turned to encourage him to walk quickly, and realized his reason for stopping. While keeping one hand on his walker, he bent down reaching with the other hand to pick a bright yellow dandelion, standing tall in the green grass. He rose slowly, dandelion in hand, and smiled at me with a second grade grin as he proudly offered me the treasure in his outstretched hand.

I smiled and thanked him for the gift, nodding my head as the humbling lesson soaked in. You see, life is full of dandelions (not my yard, mind you, because I am married to the Lawn King!). We've all heard the saying reminding us to "Stop and Smell the Roses". But, life isn't always full of roses. Things don't often go just as they should or come in the packages we would desire or expect. It's dandelions that often cover our path. Some may look at them as weeds...hardly worth noticing...a nuisance at best. Some may try to uproot them and get rid of every trace. But, some embrace the dandelions as a gift...accepting them and even seeing beauty in these durable, plentiful, proud yellow plants. Some take the time to see the gift in what others would see as a useless weed. Some are even willing to slow down and go to great lengths to appreciate the gift, and share it with someone else. It was a gift from his heart...a beautiful offering.

We can learn a lot from the heart of a child...and the glorious perspective they have. Here's to taking the time to "Stop and Pick the Dandelions".