But first, let me say this. I really don't like dandelions. (Isn't that a great thing to say? Right after I said I need to "love more". Just stay with me, folks.) Emily Freeman talks about dandelions in her Time Out for Women presentation, so that may be the reason they are on my mind. They are a constant presence in my yard. No matter how often I fertilize my grass, or pull each seedling, they are persistent little buggers, with their obnoxious yellow heads that leave yellow streaks on my arm, their stubborn roots, and those fluffs that just spread their wealth. I shudder at the thought of those fluffs.
But a couple years ago, while out walking with my kids, my 2 year old daughter gave me a special gift. The first flower she picked, especially for me. And you can guess what "flower" it was. Yep. A Dandelion. "For You!" she said, in the sweetest voice. "Because I love you!"
All of a sudden, that dandelion wasn't so awful. For that moment, I saw the dandelion as my daughter saw it. With it's vivid color and hundreds of petals what's not to admire? That day my daughter's love turned that weed into something I'll always remember. It's amazing what love will do to our vision.
So now I'm thinking about the "weeds" in my life. There are definitely certain people that may fall under that category. People that have hurt me or hurt the ones I hold close to my heart. (I have a mama bear in me that rears it's ugly head whenever someone I love feels pain.) But maybe I'm missing that key ingredient-LOVE. Maybe if I tried to love them-prayed to love them-I would see them as our Savior sees them. Someone worth dying for. Maybe if I had the courage to forgive I could see THEIR vivid colors. Maybe if I had charity in my heart for each of my "weeds", I would find a beautiful person underneath, who's trying their best-just like me.
So that's my goal. To love my weeds. And now it's out for the world to see, so maybe that'll hold me more accountable! ;) Wish me luck...
xo
Brooke
Absolutely loved your music at Time Out for Women in Sacramento. Too bad I didn't buy all of the cds at first because when I went back, they were all gone. But at least I bought two and love them. Thank you for your wholesome and inspirational music.
ReplyDeleteYou guys really inspire me to be better person with your music!
ReplyDeleteI was able to meet you guys when you came down to The Garden at Temple Square.
Let me tell you....I was on clouds for such a long time, because I was able to say: "Guess I what I did last night?! I met Mercy River!!!!"
So any way, you guys are amazing! Keep it up!
This has nothing to do with your post but I wanted to share a special experience I had with your beautiful music. I live in Ohio and was visiting my daughter in Utah and bought your CD "Mercy River"...fell absolutely in love with it! Every song was so inspiring. It was always in my CD player in the car. On May 25th of this year, my wonderful mother passed away unexpectedly during a procedure in the hospital...my sister and I were by her side holding her hand as she took her last breath. We were devestated...no matter how much you know about the plan of happiness-it's never easy to lose your mom. My mom and sister are not members of the church but are faithful women. I left the hospital brokenhearted and when I started my car- and this is the truth-your voices were singing the line from The Robe..."If you call me-home to you-please help those who love me understand-we are still held together by your hand"... It was as if my mom was speaking to me...it gave me such comfort. I flew out to Utah a couple of months later and bought the CD for my sister and shared my experience with her. She also loves your CD. Thank you for your beautiful music and for the gift you gave to me through your music on May 25th. Vicki Houseman
ReplyDeletegood luck indeed. =)
ReplyDeletei think this is something everyone struggles with honestly.
the dandelions aren't the ones i worry about really (+ i've kinda always loved dandelions, since i can remember...even in people). it's the goatheads i can't handle! so i'll also try and focus more on loving & tolerating the goatheads more. i'm the same way when those i love are hurt....so yep, it's gonna take a lot of effort & work. but you're not alone!
on the heels of last weeks RS broadcast, here's to looking forward to this weekend's General Conference with MUCH anticipation!
lololololololol!!!!!!
your WV is "prego"....how appropriate. (:
<3, keely
I love your music and have just fallen in love with your blog too! I met you when you were here in Phoenix for TOFW a few weeks ago and have not been able to turn your music off. It has been the song in my heart while I have delt with personal heartache and deep discouragment and I am so thankful I brought home your Beautiful Dawn..(My boys are so happy too...they can't help but sing along!) Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! Ya know, recently my little two year old has done almost the same thing. When we would go on walks (pregnant and cant seem to get out there anymore), he would stop at every weed, tree, flower, bush and smell it. Then, at the grocery store, he does the same- you know the floral area. He has to smell each flower arrangement. How wonderful it is for our children to remind us to "stop and smell the roses" or even, "that weed is beautiful too mommy!" Thanks again!
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