Today I decided to take pick a pink lotus from the black pond, a momento of my walk today. I tucked it into my backpack to keep it safe until I could put it on display. A perfect bloom for a perfect day!
I have often stated that 'disappointment' is my middle name. An observation borne out of the fact that even though I honestly believe in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." ... it does feel like my idea of the PLAN is often thwarted.
On my arrival home, I retrieved the Lily from its protective pouch to find it had begun to open. It was only just after sunrise that I had picked it, and it was still sleeping with its petals closed. Eagerly I gathered the yawning flower to place it in a small pink bowl, which looked as if it was made to hold the Lily. I glanced into its golden eye ... A BIG BROWN GRUB was staring up at me!
Argh!!! It had not only chewed some of the sun-ray like stamens, it had also left several large caterpillar droppings. This is not what I had anticipated. In fact it was a huge disappointment!
As I removed the unwelcome visitor and tipped my potential centre-piece upside down to dispose of the 'gifts' left behind, an uncomfortable thought began to form in my head. What if I had allowed the caterpillar to continue eating, and eventually chrysallize? I do love butterflies, and this was one 'in the making'. I had discarded it in my wish to have some instant beauty; besides the process of growing a butterfly generates a fair amount of 'nastiness'. (If you get my drift.)
Romans 8:28 says "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Even chewed plans, even unwelcome situations, even life's messiness...
You see I have struggled praising in disappointment, and continuing to believe that God's plan for me could possibly include some of the caterpillar moments, not to mention the all associated mess.
I am growing in this area, and this was yet another object lesson placed in my way by my Father, who is described as the "Father of lights in whom there is no shadow of turning" in James 1:17.
Actually I had a fresh revelation about this verse only this morning, while waiting on God for a Birthday message to send to a friend who needed some encouragement. God's gifts are perfect, even though the unwrapping of them is sometimes confusing to us... and He never changes his perfect intentions toward us!
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from
the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."
I haven't added to this blog since I began in last year, so many times I have waited seemingly in vain... but at the end of this year my resolve to wait is stronger. I have seen the benefits, I can see how far I've come and how much I've grown. Next year promises to bring on a whole new set of challenges. So bring on the butterflies disguised as caterpillars!!! I cannot wait.. to wait!
God is hatching a plan...
Jeremiah 29 : 11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you
and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
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