Poised for Prayer
Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. Exodus 14:13
We never know when a life lesson will show up or how it will be delivered. I have written about that still, lime green insect before. You know, the one that is poised for prayer. This story has a different slant and I found something interesting about it. Kathleen R. Ruckman (All God’s Creatures) writes about her lesson learned in the garden of life.
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When my daughter and her family moved to central Oregon, my husband and I joined them for a few days to watch their little ones. My grandchildren, ages six and three, couldn’t wait to show me the “library box” at the edge of their cul-de-sac, a place to borrow or leave a book.
We walked hand in hand to the mini library, carrying the books we would donate. We chose books on dinosaurs and animals in Africa to take home. As we closed the wooden box, my grandson jumped when a large lime-green insect landed near his foot.
“Don’t be afraid. It won’t hurt you,” I assured him. “That’s a praying mantis!” Even our chatter and the startling of my grandson didn’t stir this stunning insect. As we left to return to the house, the creature stayed in place, its forelegs clasped together as though in a posture of prayer.
We talked as a family about the blessing of seeing one of God’s unique creations up close and immediately did some research. We had been visited by the Chinese mantis, a species known to Oregon, which is just longer than four inches.
The mantis is nimble and acrobatic and considered symbolic of piety because of its posture of prayer. The creature spends most of its time in complete stillness, its prey and predators usually unaware of its presence. Its color helps it blend in with the environment. Since it catches unsuspecting harmful insects, gardeners consider it a friend.
I felt inspired by this close encounter. When I am still, I am more aware of my surroundings too. And when I stay in an attitude of prayer, God will fight my battles for me, as He did for Moses when He told him, “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
Dear God, help me to be still in Your presence, and may I be a quiet blessing to others in the garden of life. AMEN.