One evening, I went out to my garage to sit with my dog Dixie and read my devotion. It was drizzling rain outside, so I just sat with the door open to listen to it rain and soak in some encouragement from God’s word. I had been texting with a friend about some of life’s issues. Things we will never understand, but we have to endure and do the best we can to navigate through them. Feeling a little discouraged, I read a few pages from my devotion. The rain had ceased, so I walked out to check on my flower garden.
I first noticed a glimpse of a rainbow in the eastern sky and it made me reflect on God and his promises. I actually said out loud, “I trust you Lord.” As I made it to my front flower bed, I noticed one of my plants was halfway eaten. In all honesty, I had forgotten what this plant was. It never bloomed, but I knew I had obviously planted it at some point. The closer I got, the more excited I became. I saw my first Monarch caterpillar!!! I get Eastern Swallowtails every year, but I have never had a Monarch. I then realized the half eaten plant was milkweed. I had two different kinds in that bed. I checked out my other milkweed plant and there were 2 more caterpillars. I was so excited. It was in that moment that I felt God whisper to my heart, I see you, child. You are not forgotten and I am still working on your story. That is the thing about God. He does see us. He knows what makes us smile and in that moment he knew I needed encouragement.
I called my daughter to tell her the surprise I had just found so she could come out to see them. My butterfly box was full currently with 8 Swallowtail caterpillars who were already in their chrysalises. I ended up calling my neighbor, the one who has taught me about how to plant certain plants to attract butterflies. He let me borrow another butterfly box so I was able to collect the 3 Monarch caterpillars and bring them inside to watch their transformation process. I think one reason I am drawn to butterflies is the miraculous transformation that takes place between being a caterpillar and becoming a beautiful butterfly. Once grounded, but then free to fly in the open sky. It reminds me of the work God can do in our lives. It is not always easy, but if we trust him and follow him, he can take the ugly parts of our life and turn them into a beautiful masterpiece.
I am learning that there are so many joys that I overlook every day because my mind and focus is on the future. I am rushing around trying to get stuff done so I can tackle the next thing on my to-do list. I get so distracted by the “what ifs” that I totally miss the gifts right in front of me. May God help open my eyes and hearts to these little wonders. I pray I can slow down and be more present in the everyday moments I have been given. Each day truly is a gift and I need to do better at treating it as such.
Hayley W
Unpolished & Imperfect 