Sunday, July 23, 2017

God's Communication - Fifteen Years Later



In early June, our oldest daughter, Sarah, her husband, Ryan, and their dog, Ferris, moved to Indianapolis after living in Denver for nearly ten years. We were overjoyed to have them close by.

On the Fourth of July, a hot, humid day, Sarah and Ryan brought Ferris to our home to play in a small, plastic swimming pool I purchased at Target. Although Mike and I had a picnic to attend, we watched for a few minutes as Ferris rolled in the water and jumped in and out of the pool.

Just before we left, Ryan's face changed from laughing at the dog to a more serious, thoughtful expression. He told us how his maternal grandfather died on July fourth.

     "I was eighteen at the time, but I remember the day clearly. My mom had returned home from spending the night at his bedside in a local nursing home. She took a quick shower, then joined my dad outside in the yard for a few moments to relax before she went back to be with her dad.

     "Suddenly, a Monarch butterfly came and flew around my mother and dad a few times, close to noon. All of us were surprised to see a Monarch, as they aren't common in our town of Brookfield, Wisconsin, where we lived.

     "When my mom got to the nursing home a few minutes later, she found out her father had died while she was home. At noon, the time the Monarch came."

Mike, Sarah and I listened to Ryan. We were thankful to learn more about his family. Suddenly, while Ryan was finishing his story, a huge Monarch butterfly came, flew around Ryan and within the circle we formed with our chairs.

We were speechless. I've never seen a Monarch butterfly appear in our yard during the twenty-one years we've lived in our house.

I believe God does send signs of God's presence in various ways through people, events or even butterflies.

When we arrived home that evening from our picnic, I sent Peggy, Ryan's mother, an email message telling her what happened.

She said, "The butterfly means immortality and spirit. It gives me chills to know this symbol came to Ryan today."

There's no way to explain this happening except to acknowledge God's hand at work offering blessing, hope, and encouragement.


For Your Reflection -

1. God's ways are often mysterious and can involve timing that is not of our understanding. Have you experienced moments of God's goodness, provision, and love that were reminders how God truly knows your heart? Write your story and email me; jreed46038@hotmail.com. I am interested in how God comes to you, especially in unexpected ways.

Prayer: Sometimes it's hard to believe, God, with all of the people you create that you know everything happening in our lives. Thank you for your goodness and care that offers reassurance of your love and companionship. Amen.

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