Butterflies and Sunlight
There have been dozens of butterflies in our yard the past month. They are beautiful and honestly, quite distracting.
I cannot measure the amount of time I spend each day staring out the window at them. It brings me joy that they flock to the hyssop, butterfly bush, catmint and alyssum that I planted for them. They spend hours going from bloom to bloom and plant to plant, flitting about with ease. And it is sad that they will be leaving soon as the snow flies. Therefore I am somewhat obligated to spend a lot of time watching them while they are here, right?
One of the things that intrigues me is how the butterflies wait until the garden is in the sun before they come out from their resting places. It is not just that they wait for the whole flower garden to be sunlit, they begin feasting on the nectars of the first blooms that graced with sunlight. Then as the sun drives back more of the shadows, the butterflies expand their feasting to even more blooms and bushes. It doesn’t seem to matter if the plants are wet from last night’s rain or mist, the butterflies begin their drinking when sun illuminates the blooms.
This reminds me of being in hard season of doubt or despair and someone who is full of the light of Jesus and the truths of God comes and speaks life to me, bringing light to my heart. It brings hope, healing and nourishment to me in desert times and times when I find myself doubting the path I am on or losing hope for the future. The truths spoken drive back the shadows and leave me satiated and looking for more truth. And like with the butterflies, it doesn’t mean that the rain stops coming or the fog will not return, just that whenever someone offers me the light of truth, the darkness of doubt and fear are driven out. I can continue to flourish even if there are remnants of rain and fog.
If you are in a dark time, do not stay in hiding. Instead, look for the light. There you will find nourishment and hope. Tap into the kindness of others and seek out those who will give you the truth, praying for you and speaking words of God to nurture your soul. The light will push back the darkness in your life and give you space to breath. Look for the light that God shines on the pathway for your life and move on that path. God’s grace and mercy will go with you.
Never discount the light that you bring to another person when you speak truth or offer them the Word of God in grace. Let’s not give up bringing light to others who are around you when they are struggling, down or doubting. Your words of kindness, prayers and acts of love will always bring refreshment. A smile or hug will remind a hurting person that they are not alone in their despair. Give freely when opportunities come so that no one is left in the shadows.
John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Grace & peace,
Kimberly
