These tiny blue butterflies are gorgeous. Striking electric blue flashes when the wings are open- and beautifully patterned undersides which confuse the eye of any predator.
To this wee chap, I must have loomed like a Colossus- a moving mountain, a shape beyond comprehension. Butterflies are naturally cautious: they know their place in the food chain, and it isn’t near the top. Yet by equally cautious slow movement, carefully not making rapid lunges, and by making sure my bulky frame didn’t block the sunlight, we established a “working relationship.” That is to say I worked, slowly, whilst my cute subject sunbathed.
A fragile trust existed.
As long as I didn’t become an obvious threat, we could co-exist. There was no communication, and no mutual comprehension. So I took photos of a contented butterfly, with sun for warmth and nectar for nourishment, and the butterfly ignored me completely. A fair exchange.
It’s a different world down in the flowers. Cares and bills were forgotten for a time; the chance to observe the “dance of the flowers” and the “ballet of the butterflies” absorbed my attention. There’s another trust involved. Just as my bulk is inexplicable to a butterfly, God’s looming Presence is something we search for- as we are both drawn to Him, and find ourselves pulling away through fear or shame.
Should I withdraw in fear? Is God’s love less than mine? Surely not. As I “enjoy” the place where the wild things are, and don’t seek to bring harm, God enjoys our presence and actively seeks to bless and reconcile all things in Creation. Paul describes this in Colossians 1:19-21.
The Supremacy of Christ
…19 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds because of your evil deeds.…
Christ has entered into our existence in order that we may share in His. Now, I don’t suppose God has a photo album… but if He did, I reckon HIS photo would include me as I was enjoying the butterfly’s world. He enjoys both! Because He is trustworthy, I no longer need to fear; and I can fulfil my human role of befriending creation and all its creatures.
Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37 v3-5
The Reflectionary 