New Creation

Our time in Madagscar has been a little different for me this year.  Last year, other than a broken toe, I remained healthy throughout the trip.  This year, I have been largely sidelined by an annoying virus.  I am thankful that I was able to make it through our children's outreach program on Saturday, but I have been laying low since then.  I was sad not to be able to go out to minster in one of the villages today, but I was blessed by the quiet time I spent at home.

The sky was sunny and bright today, as it nearly always is in this part of Madagascar, and the temperature was perfect.  I decided to relax on the veranda, so I picked a comfortable chair and just sat for some time looking out at the vast horizon and listening to the unfamiliar sounds:  occasional drumming and singing coming from the neighboring village, goats bleating, and birds making all sorts of noises that sound nothing like our North American birds.  Taking time to just be quiet and listen to the sounds of the place where God has placed me gave me a great sense of peace.

After a while, I looked over toward a flowering plant in the corner of the veranda and saw a gorgeous butterfly flitting around its leaves.  It stayed for what seemed like a long time.  As I watched it, I was reminded of the wonderous process that occurs when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.  I can't look at a butterfly without marveling at God's creative genius.  To me there is no better illustration of becoming a new creation.

I may not have been able to go where I'd planned today, but God met me where I was.  He reminded me of the work He continues to do in me -- indeed, in all of His  creation.  And I am thankful.

--SSM