Something New

Rest and Restoration

photo by Scott Carroll on Unsplash

Wings stretched with legs quivering, the Swallowtail rested.

Creation whispered…

Rest.

God knows what to expect from me. It’s a ritual now. I call it my “yeah-but” prayer. “Yeah…but there is a protest tomorrow! My leg is better now; I can do it.”

The swallowtail opened and closed its wings as it adjusted position.

Healing takes longer now that you’re older.

Yeah-but, my leg has been healing since November. Surely I can do more now!

Holy silence.

I’ve learned when I don’t listen, or argue with my yeah-but prayer, God sits quietly waiting…allowing me to argue myself into a corner.

Start small. Do what you can.

The familiar Spirit gave gentle guidance—with boundaries.

I can’t go to the big protest without a paper bag to breathe into; I’d faint around that many people! Muscles tightened as I held my breath at the thought of the enormous crowd.

I know.

A deep sigh escaped…relaxing the tension in my shoulders. My introverted nature does not offend God as it does so many people. It’s okay that I am who God made me to be. There is no need for a defense.

My eyes wandered to the butterfly on the hedge—its fragile leg extended.

I’m not able to do what I did when I was fifty…or even sixty. But I can still do something!

God nodded and smiled.

Do what you can. I Am with you.

I held my sign aloft and waved. Drivers honked as they drove past the corner where I stood with a handful of neighbors.

No Kings!!

I waved and smiled at those who showed solidarity…as well as those who didn’t.

Then, I rested; my fragile leg extended.

Wings fluttered. Eggs laid. The butterfly took flight after creating something new.

God is creating something new, too.

And together—we smile at the miracle of rest and restoration.