Love thy neighbor as thyself

I am beautifully and wonderfully awake…

I cannot recall the last moment in life when I fully obtained a good night’s sleep. Even in my youth I was restless. I waited for sleep, but it did not come. I was simply too anxious to see what tomorrow would bring. You see, the simple act of life itself gave me vigor and wonder. So long as there was breath in my lungs, I received grace and hope for the future.

 I found beauty in all things such as a dandelion in an open field. Each spring my heart filled with joy to see the mixture of yellow and white “puffer” flowers, as I used to call them. In my mind, this flower did not represent a pesky weed, but rather it stood for hope. I would gently close my eyes, make a wish or request to Jesus, and slowly blow the puffer flower away to send my request to Him. Up, up, and away the seeds flew into the air spreading across the field like wildfire. Somehow, I knew He received my requests.

After 40 years not much has changed, I am still restless, and I still feel this joy as I walk within my neighborhood and see the open field of dandelions. The sensation is unmatched. Where some see weeds and nuisances, I see beauty and hope. Comparatively, I envision myself as this wildflower. Unsure of my definitive purpose, but I know my creator has placed me here. And, just like the dandelion matures to spread its Hope, I too can spread the Good News of Jesus Christ our savior. God bless.

Prayer: Lord give me the eyes to see the beauty and purpose in all things. May the gift of life, be the joy that we spread to others. May I always be a channel of your love spread throughout the world. You are my Hope. Amen, by Isabel Anderson