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God saw all that He had made – and it was very good.
Genesis 1:31 (NIV)

I wonder, when God looked upon all He had created, if He had the thought, “I’m glad I decided to make most of the weeds green. That way they will blend into Linda’s lawn and not stand out!”

Ah, yes, my lawn – a vast expanse of green – some grass of different varieties and a lot of dandelions. Each spring they show up with big green leaves and bright yellow flowers. Sometimes I wonder if they are in competition to see which one can grow the tallest stem! Nothing deters them – not the chilly spring nights, or the cloudy days. They grow unfazed by the fear of the rabbit family. Mysteriously they re-appear after the mower blade tries to eradicate them.

They are determined to live out their appointed season and bloom for all they are worth.

And, when their time is almost done, they proudly present their white “puffs” to fly away on the spring breezes – each one holding a promise of another bright yellow “weed”.

I’ve never really regarded them as weeds, although most people do. They bring memories to me of the “flower” bouquets each of my daughters gave me– the joy on their faces in doing so! Times spent sitting quietly watching the rabbits having a snack. The delightful laughter of my children blowing those white puffs into the wind.

And now, in this season of my life as a widow, they represent something else – resilience and determination to bloom. In spite of many negative circumstances they show up and bloom for all they are worth. They don’t care about not being a rose or a lilac, or an iris or daffodil.

They are content with being all they are; and they don’t let their station in the garden keep them from fulfilling their intended purpose.

They remind me that I have to “show up” every day as well. God is not asking me to be the grandest flower in the garden – He is just asking me to “show up”. Some days I don’t present very well. Indeed in the first couple of years there were very few days that I bloomed at all!

With the absence of my beloved, it is difficult to bloom. After all, my husband was the one who appreciated me – the one who constantly reminded me of my purpose and my reason for getting up each day. Now, I sometimes flounder and wonder what my purpose is. I don’t have all the answers yet – perhaps I never will.

So, for now, I will settle for simply “showing up” each day – ready to serve where He leads.

I will not let the chilly nights of loneliness or the cutting blades of despair cause me to veer from the path before me.

As I grow in the “garden of widowhood” I will be content in knowing I am tended by the Master Gardener, Who looks upon me each day with delight and says “She is mine and I delight in her.”

Father God, I thank You for Your loving care of this widow and all You have done and will continue to do to sustain me in this season of my life. I will show up every day and leave the rest to You. Amen