Frogs and Butterflies

Not-So-Little-One was having a hard day when I discovered
him, frog-paddling in the lower pond in our butterfly garden.
He had clearly been struggling there for a long time, and looked
exhausted. I found a log, and lowered it carefully into the pond,
trying not to stress him more.

I waited,

knowing there are some
things in nature that are better left to play out. I remember reading
that a monarch we watched emerge from a crysallis last year

must wait

to fly.
The wings, strengthened by the struggle to emerge,
would not have developed enough for flight, had I intervened,
peeling the crysallis back prematurely.
And when it was time to fly,

he waited.

The morning dew must be completely dried from his wings,
that he might soar.
So this day

I waited,

to see what would happen.

And Not-So-Little-One waited,

for what seemed like an arduously long time.
And finally, later that afternoon, while busying myself with gardening
chores, I smiled as I realized that he had found the log. Then,

he waited some more,

resting.
I could have sworn he winked at me, in thanks.

I learn much from my garden
and the wildlife it invites. I have learned patience is a virtue, even
in the things our heart's good intention wants to hurry.
Knowing the importance of

waiting

has shown me much in my yard, and in my heart.
As I practice

waiting on God,

He unfolds understanding, and a step
can be made visable, where it was not seen before.

Waiting

is something frogs and butterflies have to teach us.

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.

Lam. 3:25