From Weeds to Wishes

I don't like dandelions. They make my lawn look ugly. I don't like having an ugly lawn. The worst thing about dandelions is that they spread easily. The wind can blow off their seeds and it seems like the next day they have doubled in number. I don't like that.

However, my wife has helped me gain a better appreciation for them. We were in our kitchen and I was looking into our backyard. I was noticing the dandelions scattered all across our lawn thinking, "I don't like you. Get off my lawn! You're making it ugly!"

My wife comes up behind me and says with excitement, "Oh! Look at all the wishes!"

I immediately thought, "WISHES! No, honey. Those are ugly dandelions and they are ruining our lawn!" But I thought a little bit further and I could understand what she really said.

Do you remember as a kid finding dandelions in the yard and plucking them up out of the ground? I certainly do. I didn't view them as ugly, worthless dandelions then, but rather I viewed them as dreams with unlimited possibilities. With a single wish and a huff and a puff, I could make my dreams come true.

What lens do you view the world in? Do you see things as annoyances, ugly, and undeserving? Or do you see them as wishes, dreams, and unlimited possibilities? There is beauty all around, we just need to open our eyes a little bit more.

Watch the joy and happiness this father and son enjoy with dandelions.