Feeding Baby Snails

As I was about to throw a handful of dandelions into the garbage can, Lydia said to me, “Dad, I have a better idea to do with dandelions.” “What’s that?” I asked. “Just give them to me, and I’ll show you.” “I don’t think so,” I said and tossed them in the trash, figuring she planned to blow them around the yard or something. “Dad, I was going to put them down the drain grate in the backyard to feed the baby snails so they don’t starve.” I smiled. That seems like a lovely metaphor for living a life of compassion and imagination: Feed the baby snails. I think I’d like to see it on a bumper sticker. When I saw her a few minutes later heading to the backyard with a handful of dandelions, I didn't try to stop her.