Earlier this week, I was out in my yard, preoccupied with watering the flowers and a multitude of things I needed to do. In the midst of hurrying to get my task done so I could on to another task on my list, I saw a beautiful butterfly, a tiger swallowtail, dancing among the blooms. I watched as the butterfly flitted from bloom to bloom, oblivious of me and my concerns. I simply stood there watching this creature go about its task, and all my concerns were put on the shelf while I was transfixed.

For me, that moment was what I could call a God wink, an opportunity to step back and feel grateful for the beauty in God’s creation and for all of the blessings that surround me. I was simply grateful and my day immediately improved.

Our hurried lives can easily consume our attention, our energy, and- all too often- our joy. Our focus on the problems and tasks of our lives too frequently causes us to miss the beauties of the world that could give us a smile.  Our self-preoccupation also often blinds us to the needs around us and the opportunities to bless others.

I believe that gratitude and generosity are two foundations of a joyful, God-centered life. Gratitude should flow into a generosity of spirit and action. God’s generosity is evident in the richness of creation around us. As we recognize that, we can also understand the depth of God’s love and graciousness culminating in the gift of Jesus, God’s Son, and Lord and Savior. God’s generosity also comes with a call for us to live in ways that share the gifts we have been given with others, to pattern our lives after the gracious example of Jesus and His heavenly Father. As Jesus reminded us in Luke 12:48, “to whom much has been given, much will be required.” That requirement to be a blessing is really a pathway to greater blessings for us.

When you feel burdened, isolated, or just plain tired, consider the butterfly or the beautiful bloom the butterfly is enjoying and let that remind you of the multitude of beauties and blessings God gives you each day. Let it also be a reminder that gratitude is multiplied when it is coupled with generosity.

Serving you, serving with you,