When we first arrived in early Spring in Canada, I was captivated by these tiny beautiful yellow flowers polka-dotting the lush green grass. They were the first sign of growth as the weather started to warm up, providing a refreshing sunshine burst of color on the sidewalks which had been lined with barren trees and snapped branches from the past brutal winter.
Growing everywhere, I loved how cheery, hardy and bright they were. Taking photos of them, people had laughed at me, “They’re WEEDS, Wai Jia! Just dandelions! Why are you taking pictures of WEEDS?!” I was embarrassed, but the more I saw them, and their beautiful evolution into dreamy cloud-balls of seeds carried by the wind as the season grew warmer, the more I was captivated by them.
It reminded me of a lesson I am learning: that what is commonplace and even ugly to one way of life may be intriguing or beautiful to another, but let us not let our differences in perspective hinder our quiet admiration of what may be deemed small and negligible. Especially in cross-cultural servanthood on the missions journey we are embarking on, I was reminded to stay continually intrigued, amazed and captivated, even by the mundane, normal and what may even be deemed ugly by others.
Are there times or situations in your life where you find it painfully difficult to find anything good in it, where even small victories only seem like sorry “weeds” to others? In times where only frustration may seem to be found in a new season of our lives, be it at work or a new situation, and we are desperately searching for beauty in harsh beginnings, let us remember to become children again, looking at the world afresh through child-like eyes, and continue to revel in the beauties of small, everyday things- yes, even in dandelions.
What small thing’s beauty can you revel in, in your situation today?
Photos taken at Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Dear Wai Jia,
You have my prayers and sincerest wishes for a fulfilling and meaningful life ahead as a missionary with your husband that will bring glory to God alone as you bring His light and love to a world that is lost.
We met at an MRT station on Good Friday about a month ago. Although you did not recognise me, I have known you all along as a senior in medical school, seen you quite a number of times at VCF meetings, and followed the publication of your books.
As you are about to venture out into the vast ocean to set sail in the way the Captain of your ship leads you, may His love and favour always be upon you as you surrender your life to Him in willing service. His goodness shall follow you all the days of your life as your cup runneth over with the blessings which He pours out upon you. I pray that He will give you the courage and resilience to face life’s challenges, for when you are tried and purified, you were surely come forth as gold. May God use your life to bear fruit for His glory for all eternity.
Blessings,
Yee Ying
What are considered weeds to some are beautiful to others. For example, you buy calla lillies here in floral shops. You can even buy fake calla lillies to decorate your home if fresh cut ones are too much trouble.
But, in some parts of the world they are considered weeds.
So, it’s a matter of perspective 🙂