I don't know why, but something called me outside this morning. I knew what that meant--I'd be lolly gagging with the flowers and bugs and not getting my walk in before the heat. Still cool, I grabbed my coffee and camera and went out back to sit and chat with the Lord. A dialogue happens while walking too, but a garden...well it just seems like a natural place to connect.
OK God, here's the deal. You are so awesome in all things that You orchestrated this week. How can I not trust you? And here I am, asking for just that, ... a little more faith, guidance, some peace.
The Tiger Swallowtail moves in on the end of that thought and for once...actually lands and stays on a zinnia right in front of me. I know this guys name for sure. He's been with me for 8 years now, coming alongside me in my grief, healing and purpose. I take his picture in his graceful pose and I name him Grace butterfly. I feel the bubbling up of faith and trust and I can't help but be thankful.
In less than the time it takes to fly from one flower to the next, his buddy comes soaring in. Bright orange and white, I am thinking it is a Monarch. Making his appearance quite regularly these last few weeks, today he is not at all camera shy. Diving in, he takes a look around and pops over the fence, around the tree and continues the relay. I hear God tell me something; this guy has a different name. The butterfly provides for me an opportunity to take his picture many times. His name is Provision.
How many more can I capture this morning Lord? What else are you giving me, that I asked for, sought for, knocked this morning for? I am overwhelmed and blessed.
When we think we don't have any peace, maybe we're just focusing on the negative, not seeing the goodness. It's there, really. Push back the clutter, the midnight minions that worry us and ask God to open up your eyes to see Him. He waits for the discovery, down in the mess of fallen leaves...but also near the root, where life springs forth.
The white flag of peace, waving in the earth, another attribute of the Lord along with His sovereign Grace and Provision. When I look in my garden at any given time, I see these guys. They love to fly in pairs, playing off each other and enjoying the flowers. Now I name her Peace. She flies through and I know she wants to visit everywhere; to go around the world in her life time, fly into classrooms and executive board meetings, into huts and alleys, homeless shelters and NICU's, cemeteries and slums, GOP debates and over oceans where people are lost or sailing away to look for her. Peace, it's not elusive. It's so much like the butterfly, something that became transformed, a beautiful hope.
The hummingbird reminds me to keep busy, keep praying, keep believing, knowing and sharing the GRACE that meets me every morning. He hears my prayers and PROVIDES His mercy, within His will and timing. It is OK that I ask Him again, for I am weak at times, many times...I live in this crazy world, still human every morning but graced. Each day I ask for continued strength. The PEACE of God, I read and cling to in His Word and know it. I recognize His voice. He promises that His goodness is sufficient. I am among the transformed and He gave me a new name as well. I continue to eagerly watch and listen to His voice of Love.
These guys, clipper butterflies, too numerous to count, I named my PRAYER WARRIORS; my church, my closest friends here and a far. I love you and your strength. Your love and support in return cannot be captured in a blog or a few pictures.
Lord, I am just thankful for so much this week. To want to express it in my writing, sometimes does not feel like enough. I never want to stop being overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit and how You minister to me. Keep flying in Lord. What ever words I can come up with, may it be all for Your Glory. Not just working in me, but Lord, my family is seeing You as well. Your goodness flies all over this world and may those who seek your GRACE, Your PROVISION, Your strength in FELLOWSHIP and Your PEACE, find it soon and continue until Your Glory returns. Amen.
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When I came in from my garden, the morning sun ablaze now, I postponed my walk. Logging back into my Facebook account, an old classmate sent me this picture, the exclamation mark to my prayers. God is good.
Lovely, inspirational post! Friday I became concerned that Gary's walk with the dogs went a tad bit long. Concerned I opened the front door to look for him and the basenjis. The moment the door opened, a mourning dove flew in the front door! After a swift trip around the front room checking 3 of the 4 corners, she settled on top of the still open front door. I stood, mouth agape, wondering how to release her without scaring her back into the house.
ReplyDeleteAbout this time, Gary returned with the pups and stood staring at the bird atop our door. The dogs decided to take matters into their paws and stepped inside, ignoring the bird far above. The door opened wider as Gary entered and at that moment she decided to take her leave. Filled with wonder, we wished we had been swift enough to capture the image. Alas, we must just keep the dove in our minds' eyes.
I love your pictures and reading about your garden friends: Grace, Provision, Peace, your Prayer Warriors and my favorite - the hummingbird reminding me to "keep busy, keep praying, keep believing, knowing and sharing".
ReplyDeleteYour word picture of "clutter" and "the mess of fallen leaves" will forevermore remind me to see Him and seek Him knowing it's "near the root, where life springs forth."
I love your heart my sweet friend.