Monday, August 16, 2010

Bullfrogs and Butterfles


Does anyone remember that song from childhood? "Bullfrogs and butterflies have both been born again...."! I was reminded of it recently when I found myself surrounded by butterflies. I have to go back several days, to share the whole story.

I had gone out behind our pool to turn on the filter. While there I looked down ,and on the ground was a small butterfly. It caught my eye because of it's beautiful color. As I stepped a little closer to get a better view, it flew away. I was disappointed by the missed opportunity. A day or two later I was getting ready to run an errand, and my husband asked, "What's that on your leg?" I figured he noticed the peeling skin from a sunburn. Then, much to my delight I saw a small butterfly very similar to the one near the pool! It then flew from my leg and landed on the top of my foot. I had a few seconds to get that closer look. I felt the moment was a precious gift from the Lord. I cannot adequately describe why, but I guess the Bible says it best in James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

As I mentioned in my last post (about the chickens), this has been a year full of loss (actually several years). The loss of so many things; loved ones, animals, dreams, hope, joy, peace. It has been a battle for me to look at my life and deal with the anxiety, depression, and guilt that has tried to come in and take over. I am not much of a fighter, but in my weakness He is strong. He will not let me go. In the midst of all of the pain, I realize that God is still on His throne. He has not forgotten me, though at times it has felt very much like He has. I am a work in progress, much like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Maybe the time is approaching that I too will emerge from a cocoon a beautiful butterfly ready to take flight. Time will tell.

To wrap this up you must hear the end of the story. A couple of days ago I was getting ready to run to the store to pick up a few things. As I walked outside and down our deck steps onto the ground, all around my feet were butterflies! Not just a couple, I'm talking twenty or thirty of them swirling around my feet! One of my girls opened the door about that time and also was amazed at the number of them flying around me. It was awesome! Words cannot describe the joy that I felt in those moments. Thank You, Lord, for the amazing reminder of Your redeeming love, faithfulness, and beauty.