Article June 6, 2011 Issue

Like a blade of grass

By Carol Nelden

Have you ever considered a blade of grass? It appears so slight and quite lacking in power when the lawn mower passes over it. Does it seem fragile and unable to defend itself?

Some years ago, when I was teaching Sunday School to a class of third graders, we pondered together the little blade of grass. They were asked to picture themselves bending down, singling out just one blade and gently taking hold of it, not pulling it up or breaking it. In fact, they were ushered outside on this beautiful morning to do just that. Giggling, each reached down and selected his or her own treasure, having no idea what would be coming.

Next? I asked each child to consider what was attached to the end of their blade. Quickly each replied, “Roots!” “There’s more,” was my reply. Again they were unified in agreeing that dirt was also attached to the green blade. “More,” I again suggested. Now their little faces started to scrunch up as they wanted to be correct and perhaps be first to get it. No replies, but not one of them was willing to let go of their little treasures. Down on their knees they went, as they looked very closely at the base of the blade.

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