Heidi Viars

I got up early and headed for the woods. I asked the Lord to help me make my thoughts obedient to Christ. I just wanted to hear Him, not my own words in my head. Looking down at my feet, I thanked Him for being the Light to my feet and for shining His Truth on my path, each step at a time. My heart longed for His voice to me. I quietly walked, just looking down.

Then, there it lay. A beautiful Tiger Swallowtail, spread out right before my feet. It was too cold to move and lay still on the path.

I picked it up and intently studied this beautiful creature. An awareness of the gentleness of the Creator flooded my heart. His intimate knowing of our circumstances, His attention to details, and His creativity were all so evident to me here, holding this delicate butterfly.

I carried it for a little while. The warmth of my hand was enough to make the butterfly move around. I set in a nearby field of flowers and took a picture.

“Lord, open my eyes to the Truth all around me.
Your creativity and wisdom are beautiful.
You gently show me.
Open my heart to receive what You are teaching me today, 
so that I in turn will show kindness and gentleness
to the world around me.”
~~~
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling
to which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another in love,
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)
~~~
(pictures and devotional, Heidi Viars 2014)