Human diversity has never been more celebrated than it is today.  Yet regardless of culture, race, language, chromosomes and physical characteristics, every human has other aspects that lead to uniqueness within our kind. Experiences, upbringing, hobbies, attitudes, personalities, abilities and tastes to name but a few. However, what we all have in common is that we are part of the human race – each the same yet different.  Seeds from this dandelion will result in clones – often regarded as a weed, this little flower has medicinal properties, can be eaten or drunk like sweet coffee and goes through stages of resembling the sun, the moon and stars!  Whilst the scientific name is Taraxacum meaning bitter herb, the popular name comes from the French ‘dent de lion’ as the root resembles the tooth of a lion. Each dandelion and every human is one of its kind – only Jesus is ‘THE one of a kind’, truly Divine.

• ‘Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else’ – Margaret Mead

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In 1623, William Shakespeare wrote a far-fetched play entitled ‘The Winter’s Tale’, borrowing heavily from the plot of Robert Greene's pastoral romance ‘Pandosto’, first published in 1588.  Part tragedy and part comedy, it spoke of the deep pain that is caused by separation and the wasted years when relationships break down. Despite the sorrow of the first three acts involving jealousy, accusation, death and injustice, things turn out well in the end.  The two fathers, Leontes and Polixenes seem spiritually dead and have lost all ability for feelings.  However, there is a resurrection at the end and joy as reconciliation comes through Florizel and Perdita in the next generation.  Winter is the season when structures are revealed as trees shed their leaves and you see their essence. This tale echoes this process in a fanciful story but God’s story does it in stark reality as relationships are redeemed through from his son’s work on a bare tree.

• ‘I prefer Winter and Fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn't show’ – Andrew Wyeth
• ‘Even in Winter an isolated patch of snow has a special quality’ – Andy Goldsworthy

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