A Lesson From Butterflies

This week, I am teaching and giving a keynote address at a brand new conference for Christian writers based in Texas. The hearts of the organizers for ministering to Christian writers are so beautiful and inspiring. It’s a small, intimate conference, but I feel that God is moving here, and I’m thrilled to play a part.

The conference is being held at a lovely Christian retreat center in Navasota, Texas, which just happens to be a mere 40 minutes from College Station where my daughter is finishing her PhD at Texas A&M. So, of course, I went down a day early to spend some time with my girl. We spent the morning on Monday working on our computers at a nearby library. Book gals in a book space. Seemed quite fitting.

After sharing lunch together, I headed to the conference and got settled in my room. This retreat center is located out in the country and has several hiking trails. So with some time to spare, I set out on an afternoon hike.

Temps were in the mid-80’s so walking in the shade was a lovely respite. And the view at the end of the trail was definitely worth the walk.

I made the hike again the next monring after breakfast, using the time alone on the trail to commune with Jesus in prayer and prepare my heart for the conference time ahead of me. I have to admit that I’m not a skilled listener when it comes to praying. I’m good at laying out all my needs and expressing gratitude, but discerning His voice in return is a skill I’m still developing. However, on that morning, God spoke to me in a way that made my heart smile. He spoke through butterflies.

I tend to be very task-focused. It’s great for accomplishing things, but it can also cause me to miss opportunities to serve. I often go through life like I did that trail. It was my second time, so I knew what the scerery would be. Therefore, I kept my head down, focusing on where I stepped to insure I didn’t trip over a tree root or turn my ankle in a gopher hole. My goal was to make the circuit in good time. Then God sent a butterfly to flutter right in front of me. I lifted my face and followed its flight path. Straight up the trail in front of me. I was on the right path, going the right direction, but I need to lift my eyes from my task to take in the beauty around me. To pay attention to what God has placed directly in my path.

A smile lit my face and my heart as I continued walking. And my gaze lifted more than it hunkered down. I was still moving forward, still accomplishing my task, but my perspective had broadened. And it wasn’t just one butterfly I saw during my brief 45 minute walk. There were at least 3 encounters, as if God wanted to make sure I didn’t miss his message.

Don’t be so consumed with doing the work that you fail to enjoy the journey. Don’t be so focused on reaching the destination that you fail to help someone else along the way. How many times did Jesus allow himself to be interrupted from his mission to serve someone who crossed his path? I must do the same, while trusting that God will supply the time and energy required to bring the work he’s assigned me to completion.

A lesson in listening and living. And just what I needed to orient my heart in preparation for serving him at the conference this week.

Has God ever spoken to you through nature?