The Value of a Gift

The Dandelion

By Anita McIlveen

In the spring of the year when the grass turns green

There is a weed that grows plentiful for all to be seen.

It is yellow and round

and stays close to the ground.

But many a child never guessing

    Collects them and thinks they are a blessing.

With eyes glowing and a smile that is broad

They take their bouquet as a gift from God.

And to whom should they give this above any other

But to the one person that they call Mother?

So the moral of this poem is that a weed growing wild

is transformed into a flower by the love of a child.

There is an old saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” But I also think “The value of a gift is in the eye of the beholder.” A bouquet of dandelions is a welcome gift from a child. But if a spouse gave this gift it would be received very differently. With Mother's Day just a few weeks away, it is important to give gifts that the receiver will really appreciate. Some women like roses while others like carnations. When I am asked what I want for mother's day, I usually say, “A flower with a root!” This way I can plant it and enjoy it year after year. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy cut flowers at times too. I love roses because of their beauty but I love carnations because of their fragrance.

As a mother and a school bus driver, I have received the gift of words. A message of love and appreciation is a welcome gift. A love letter from a spouse or fiance is a treasured gift. Give the gift of words to people you love now instead of at their funeral.

We have been offered the best gift of all, Jesus. John 4:10 tells us about the Samaritan woman to whom Jesus said, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is saying to you Give me a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” Have you accepted this gift? If not, you can right now! Pray the sinners prayer today.

If you are already a Christian, you have at your fingertips the greatest gift to give. That is telling your friends, neighbors, the people you meet in a day's travels about the love of God and the gift of Jesus and how He can be their Friend. Pray for opportunities and then pray that you will recognize the opportunity and then ask for courage to share your faith. You will be amazed how God can give you eyes to see and a heart that wants to share the greatest gift you have ever received. Tell someone about Jesus today.