Waves & Butterflies - Power & Glory By Elizabeth Huggins-Thompson

I took a walk on the beach. It was my personal time to talk to God

and enjoy His gift of warm sand and cool breezes. Along Florida’s

Treasure Coast, there are some dead coral reefs that are called

breakers. This one particular day, the tide was such that the

waves would break on the coral with a terrific boom and spray

of water. I climbed up on one of these rocky outcroppings and 

enjoyed the mist of the waves around me as I looked out onto

the water. I was mesmerized by the beauty, power, and rhythm

of the ocean. I began to notice butterflies. They were flying

along the coast where the waves met the shore. Not just one

or two. There was a steady stream of them. I thought they were

horribly close to these powerful waves. I was worried they would

get swallowed up by the heavy water. As I watched, I saw how the

butterflies danced amonst the spray, riding up and down the air

currents. There was such a symmetry between the two, I was struck

by this amazing balance God created. He knows what was needed.

He knows the limits of each. The butterflies always keeping just out

of the water’s reach. The waves creating an air current for these

delicate, sensitive crea- tures to not only utilize, but play with.

It was so magical I began to cry. God knows what we all need. He

also let me know that there are times for me to push and times for

me to play. There needs to be a balance in my life. I do not need

to bear the weight on my shoulders. In Matthew 6: 33- 34 it says,

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all

these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious

about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient

for the day is its own trouble.”

Rest Stop By Michelle Rocker

My car headed down the road of life.
Today it was bumpy—full of strife.
I wasn’t sure if I should scream, pitch a fit and cry,
Laugh hysterically, or drive off the cliff and die.
I realize what people would think and say.
Well, I can’t help it!  Sometimes I feel that way.
Okay, I really needed help, where should I stop?
Stop?  No! Too many crumbs in the kitchen to mop.
I hurried faster and pushed the pedal down.
The quicker, the better getting through this town.
Do you know which town I mean?
The one where no room is clean.
No matter how many times you do the dishes
They multiply like the five loaves and two fishes.
The baby’s finally asleep and my brain’s fried.
I slammed the brakes and pulled over to the side.

But the rest stop is too short lived
My toddler is blowing his lid.
So, I push the pedal back down
Two more years in this toddler’s town
Then my husband comes home and asks for his dinner..
Hmmm… pizza delivery sounds like a winner.
He says, “There’s no money, you have to cook.”
I glare at him, and hand him the cookbook.
My cruise control seems broken so I have to drive
That cliff sounds inviting and where I want to dive

“God, are you listening? I’m so very tired.
This job—well—I don’t want it, can I be fired?
I need your strength to get through this day.
Just a little help, what do you say?
I saw a road sign ahead,

“Leave your cares behind,” it said.
I turned and saw the road led into the sky
The heavens opened and I began to cry
This was the rest stop I really needed

“Let me stay here!” I desperately pleaded.

“Sure, my child.  Rest your head for awhile.
Today you’ve traveled so many miles.”
I rested and knew this was the place to be.
Tomorrow I would stop here first, here I’d flee.
Something happens when in Jesus you rest.

It is only then that you drive your best.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

~Matthew 11:28-29 NIV