BUTTERFLIES

By Jenny Baxter

I love spring as the days lengthen and the sun rises earlier and earlier this time of year.

Around 6:30 every morning I am out walking through a nearby tract of bushland, and most days I catch a stunning display as the sun rises about the same time. There are some wonderful things to see at dawn: snow dazzling on the mountain, windstorms, rising mist and beautiful cloud formations.

Occasionally it is very still, and my every step causes a flurry of small butterflies to emerge from the leaf litter on the forest floor. It is an amazing sight to see the quiet path suddenly erupt into life as I walk along. On other days, there is no sight of these little creatures, but I know my presence is still causing a stir, even if only at a microscopic level.

On a larger scale too, I cause a disturbance out there in the bush. Sometimes I see grey wallabies bounding out of sight ahead of me. Or smaller ‘paddy melons', which are a type of dark brown wallaby found in these parts. They sit very still, nervously hoping I won't notice them. Then dash off at the very last moment, deftly disappearing into the bush.

As I walk, my mind wanders. Seeing these creatures move in my presence makes me think of the ways in which I affect the world around me. Even just walking along the street, I bring something with me. In effect I cause a stir everywhere I go, whether it is seen or not. In the spiritual realm, I represent the one true God, and like a subliminal message, I can't help but influence the world around me. I keep on trusting that the impact I make is a positive one!

It is good to think we might have a positive effect on those around us. How about those near and dear to you . . . does your partner receive good ‘vibes' from you all the time? Or even your kids – have you mentioned how much you love them lately? What about those you work alongside – do they know who you are really?

Then there is a place where it is important to let God have an affect on us. Do you let him? How loyal are you to him as he directs your path? Sometimes he asks those who serve him to do the most outrageous things! Think of Peter walking on the water—how outrageous was that! Yet he loyally followed Jesus, wherever he went, even if that meant doing the impossible. (See Matthew 14:30: Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus )

Remaining loyal. We don't talk about it very much. Sometimes I think the world has given up on this value, but in the end it is central to all our relationships. Perhaps this is one of those areas in which we Christians can have an unconscious effect.

How would your life change if you remained loyal at every turn?

And how would those around you be affected if you did?

It's worth thinking about.

Jenny Baxter

Editor

Christian Woman magazine

Australia/New Zealand

jbaxter@mediaincorp.com

Jenny Baxter lives in Tasmania , Australia on a 35-acre farm with some sheep, two goats and a cow. She and her husband, Stephen, have five children, and are staff-workers for Fusion International, a Christian Youth and Community Organization www.fusion.org.au