The Monarch Butterfly

 

Father, the beauty of Jesus' presence is with me today as I recalled a special happy time spent in an awesome garden crafted by a friend.  We sat among the beauty, basking in it.  Along came a monarch butterfly blending its hues with the garden flowers.

It went about its work of nectar collection, flitting and collecting, back and forth.  Such gems of magnificent splendor.  It put me in mind of what the Garden of Eden must have looked like. There were no monkeys or elephants, thankfully, but the birds and bees and butterflies were great.

Lord Jesus, I really appreciated being able to spend the time there.  It put me in mind of the song, 

"I Come to the Garden Alone while the dew is still on the roses, And the Voice I hear, Falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.  And He walks with me, and He talks with me .."

Indeed, Jesus, I felt Your presence there and even saw a vision of You standing on the path the other side of the particular flower where the monarch worked.  Thank You for showing yourself to me and walking and talking with me there.

You showed me that I am like that butterfly.  As I move from place to place I can still 'collect nector,' and not be idle.  I can have opportunity to cultivate and allow the beauty of Christ to grow and radiate forth - a bit like Moses' face shining when he came down from Mt. Sinai after spending time with You (see Exodus 34:29-35).

Grow and build strong faith in me, giving me purpose for this move despite the unsettling nature of the situation.  May the aspects of the characteristics of Your Holy Spirit grow in me so I become more like Christ.  I want to live authentically in my Christian life.

Thank You for your reassurance that You will go wherever I go and be with me.  Help me in my relationships too with my husband and may I be mindful that we represent You and Your Church.  May we shine as lights in the darkness of our environment be what it may.

May I enjoy my time there and thank You for Your love, Lord Jesus.  With You in the peaceful garden I need not fear.

Thank You Jesus.  I appreciate You.

                                                     ~ ERC  February 2025 ~

Sing, I Come to the Garden Alone, along with Grace Bible Church.