A Norvell Note: Consider the Dandelions  

August 16, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 31

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28-29, King James Version)

Here’s my paraphrase: Think about the dandelions in the yard. They don’t really do anything except keep showing up in a neatly kept lawn, often uninvited and not exactly appreciated by me. I have fought and lost many battles through the years. 

It seems like God created these tiny plants so that children can blow on them, scattering their seeds across the yard and helping new ones to grow. I believe He finds joy in the sound of children’s laughter as they play with them. 

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (Matthew 6:30-33, The Message)

I have learned to tolerate dandelions because they remind me that if God will create them, I need to relax and enjoy His creation, knowing He has always taken care of me and always will. 

(Sometimes I even pick one up, blow it, and marvel at God’s creation.) 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell. All Rights Reserved