Take Wing
Now the LORD is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
After recently hearing Pastor Chris’ remarkable message about being here for just a moment, it struck a nerve in me. I was moved to share this devotion by Lucy Chambers from All God’s Creatures. Are we taking life too seriously or not seriously enough?
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It had been a long summer of uncertainty, and I determined to deal with it by working harder. That was the responsible thing to do. Every time my family invited me for a walk or bike ride, I’d say, “Thanks, no. I have some work I need to finish up. I’ll go next time.” I was getting a gold star at work but just checking off boxes in the rest of my life—get up, go to work, eat dinner, do more work. Life was serious, and everything felt heavy.
One afternoon, my family overrode my earnest excuses and I found myself in a bathing suit at the edge of the pool. I’ll just do a couple of laps then I can dry off and answer emails on my phone while they swim. At least that would check another box: get some exercise.
I dove into the water and came up to the surface, ready to knock out my laps. When I opened my eyes, an enormous dragonfly hovered above the water just in front of me. I floated there, watching it. It twisted and dove, skimming the surface and shooting up into the air before diving back to the water.
The dragonfly danced through the sunlight, thrumming with energy, with all the colors of the rainbow reflected. When it flew away, I kept floating in the turquoise water. I wanted to dance and twirl. I wanted to soar up and out of the pool and back into my life, lighter, more playful, more trusting. It was as if God had sent the dragonfly to lift my head above the grindstone and turn my gaze toward Him. You can’t control the world around you, the dragonfly seemed to say, but if you just take a moment to behold the wonders of creation, God’s energy will recharge you.
Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. G. K. Chesterton
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Maybe I should stop making excuses and enjoy the days that I’ve been given. How about you?
Father, thank You for giving us life. Help us to use it wisely, to enjoy it and make the most of every single day. AMEN.
Photograph Michael Johnston