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Holding Dandelions, But Smelling Daisies
By Theresa Kenny

June 20th, 2008

Sometimes the best lessons we can learn are from our children. One day, my youngest son decided he wanted to surprise me. After the other "surprises" I had received, I had to stop myself from worrying about what I was about to get: an assortment of goodies ranging from insects to a decapitated snake (killed by our faithful dog). But when I saw the hopeful look on his face, I relaxed. After all, no matter what it would be, it would be given to me in love. So, here comes my boy, with a big bunch of bright, yellow dandelions. "I know they're not daisies," he said, knowing that daisies are my favorite, "but maybe you can hold the dandelions and still smell daisies."

After I put them in a special glass and placed them as our kitchen table centerpiece, I gave him a big hug & kiss, and he went back outside to play. The phrase he used stayed in my mind, and I was able to use it as a life lesson. Maybe we can hold the dandelions in our life, and smell daisies instead. There is a lot of pain and suffering in our world today, a lot of negativity. But there is a lot of beauty and charm in the world as well. It is easy for me to gripe and complain about the injustices I think are happening. As a stay-at-home mom, I sometimes feel overworked and underappreciated. Maybe we can concentrate on the blessings that God gives us, rather than the trials we face. So, the next time I start feeling down rather than "counting my blessings, and naming them one by one", I will follow the wise advice given to me by my 6 year old son. I will reach down, pick up a dandelion, and breathe it in.

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