From Frenzy To Still Waters

Butterflies make me happy! Their graceful, elegant flight and the fact that God chose so many beautiful colors combinations for butterflies amazes me.

Last year I planted a butterfly bush just outside my kitchen window, and it has been the source of countless smiles and photographs as visitors come and go. The butterfly in this picture and more like it are the first to appear each year. They are by far the most active butterflies to visit the fragrant purple flowers.

IMG_9700I honestly don’t know how their fragile frame holds up to non-stop hours of flitting from one flower to the next, rarely pausing for even a moment.  I always set my camera on “sports” mode hoping to freeze frame a decent,  non-blurry image.

Suddenly, all this butterfly frenzy looked like a microcosm of my life, our lives.  Do you see it?  We are right there with them, inconstant motion, moving from one task, one obligation, one stressor to the next.  It is all we can do to keep up, and we still fall behind despite our best efforts. We feel like we have to do it all…jam packed schedule equals success for some crazy reason. And then we complain because we are exhausted!

“You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives.  Even those who know me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world. They have bought into the illusion that more is always better: more meetings, more programs, more activity. I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, making time alone with me your highest priority and deepest joy. ‘But one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.’  (Luke 10:42)”  Excerpt from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Now that will step on your toes!  Nails me every time I read it.  My wish for you and myself today is that we all make the time to have a Psalm 23 moment, spotlight on verse 2, “He leads me beside the still waters.”  That means we have to deliberately separate ourselves from the “beauty” and busyness the world offers…our butterfly bush so to speak.

IMG_9684

Follow Jesus, who is holding your hand, to the banks of those still waters for it is there we can hear Him best, out of the fray.  Seek his direction for priority resetting because if time with Him is nowhere on your “to do list” then you will continue to be swallowed up by the demands of this world.

Then with God’s guidance restructure that “to do” list with bullet points for what He leads you to accomplish each day. This will probably result in having to let go of a few things. He will give you wisdom to know what is truly important and what is too much.  Pry those fingers loose where needed!

Enjoy the quiet by the water’s edge and soak up the peace and love that flood those moments alone with Jesus. Next time you head toward the bank, bring a friend who is just as overwhelmed as you and share these truths.

And keep returning to the water’s edge for daily priority setting moments with the Mater Planner of your life. You will most likely find the joy you’ve been searching for all along and you won’t be nearly as overwhelmed. You just have to “light” somewhere long enough to find it in Him!  Give those beautiful wings a rest. To God Be the Glory!

 

 

8 thoughts on “From Frenzy To Still Waters

  1. Kim

    This is perfect for me today. Feeling overwhelmed the past few days. Think I’ll tour my butterfly bushes today!

    Reply
    1. presson1 Post author

      Thanks for reading! The last week has weighed heavily on me as well. We can talk it all out in our girl time on Tuesday of next week. Praying for you! Enjoy the butterflies!

      Reply
  2. generalkat

    My life in retirement has been busy but I pace myself by starting the day with the Word and then a devotional to bring His nourishment and strength to my spirit. I feel blessed to have the time to write now and also to pursue study of Spanish. In-between, there’s time for house work, taking care of the yard and interacting with my husband. All seemed perfect until the doctors found cancer in my husband. These past two years we await the three month checkup and try to maintain a normal schedule. Praise God the last test showed no cancer and pray it will be in remission for a long time. Normal is best and I feel assured of His love and care for me each day as I enjoy His presence. Thank you for your words of encouragement.

    Reply
    1. presson1 Post author

      Your faith in God through what your husband and you have been going through the last two years is a testimony and source of encouragement for ME! As I type this I am asking God’s blessings on you both and continued healing for the cancer. Thank you for reading! Keep writing!

      Reply

Leave a Reply to presson1 Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.