One evening last week, before a sweltering heat wave arrived, I parked on the back deck to read. The sun had dropped behind the old oak tree to the west. Shadows danced and flickered on leaf, grass and flower; a few birds added soft background chatter.
All of a sudden I had company. A butterfly joined me, landing gracefully on my knee. I don’t remember ever being visited up-close-and-personal by a butterfly. I studied him in wonder.
Orange stripes and white splotches stood out against black and chocolate-brown wings. Along the feathery perimeter, white scallops created a fluted edge.
But what astounded me most were his antennae. Tiny black and white stripes encircled each one. And the tips appeared dipped in fluorescent yellow paint.
I didn’t dare move, anxious to prolong the magical moment as long as possible, to enjoy his presence and inspect him further.
His markings were remarkably symmetrical, and I wondered if, while in the cocoon, butterfly wings grow folded in such a way to produce the effect—much like folded-paper ink blots. (I did check online, but found no answer to this specific question. Do you happen to know?)
I even studied the vein lines—dozens and dozens of them—some large and pronounced, others barely visible. They, too, appeared symmetrical.
For the duration of his visit, the butterfly remained quite still. I found myself stilled, too, enveloped in a sweet interlude of peace.
Twice my new friend winked his wings at me. “Good evening,” I imagined him saying. “Isn’t our Creator God amazing? ‘In wisdom he made us all. We are both marvelously made!’”*
Oh, yes. This butterfly was marvelously made alright. Stunning, actually. And I felt the beauty of the Lord upon me (Psalm 90:17)—his favor and splendor–as one of his loveliest, most graceful creatures honored me with his presence.
I was also reminded:
- A butterfly visitation is a God-visitation, as his eternal power and divine nature are magnificently displayed (Romans 1:20).
- God is a Master Artist. How awe-inspiring to discover such minute details as tiny, even stripes on an insect’s antennae.
- Just as I delighted in the butterfly’s presence, God offers supreme delight to those who bask in his presence (Psalm 16:11).
- God’s presence also offers calm and peace, not only for a moment but forever (Isaiah 26:3).
- God’s blessings sometimes come in surprising, unexpected ways. He even provides unnecessary blessings—like butterfly landings–just because he loves us.
All too soon my delicate visitor departed. But the delight lingers, because a God-visitation is not quickly forgotten.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
–Psalm 111:4
Later, on the internet I found this picture, a member of the same family as my winged friend. His kind are known as Red Admirals. Can you see those tiny stripes?
What experience in nature lingers in your mind as a God-visitation? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
*Psalm 104:24b; 139:14
(Photo credits: www.flickr.com; http://www.allaboutgod.net; http://www.goodpixgallery.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Nancy. How beautiful also your view from where you were. I love butterflies but never observed one as close. A great God incident.
Thank you, Janet. That deck is a dead-ringer for ours; the view almost. We have a nice buffer area of trees between our block and the houses behind us. It’s lovely and peaceful!
What a blessing to read this tonight. So much beauty surrounds us that we don’t take the time to enjoy. Thanks for sharing this. You have brighten my evening with your words.
It’s an honor and delight to brighten your evening, Jean!
What a beautiful post! It reminds me to look to God’s wonderful creations for beauty and peace.
Thank you, and Amen, Cheri!
What a lovely encounter! I find immense joy in the various up close and personal moments I’ve had with critters. Most recently is was some sort of lizard, a skink, I believe. He was a fine fellow who let me hold him for some time, flicking his tongue and posing in my palm. My family laughs at me when critters come around…they know nothing will distract me from enjoying the moment! I feel like each and every one is a gift just for me from our Creator-Father. 🙂
Rebeca, I had to laugh when I came to the word, skink, in your comments. The fact that you could ENJOY a skink is quite amazing!! We once discovered one in the house, and trapping that fast, slithery creature was quite the challenge for my husband. (Thankfully he was home to make the capture! I kept a box between the critter and me!) Not once have I ever thought of those moments as a GIFT, except as an example of how Steve has protected me from wild animals! 🙂
Great post, Nancy.
I had a very similar encounter last summer; I was sitting out back with my headphones on listening to an audio book. A beautiful butterfly landed on my leg and just sat there for several minutes. It was as if, as you said, I was being visited by God.
Then you know exactly the spiritual experience of such a moment! Do you know what kind of butterfly visited you?
God visits me everyday. When I look into the eyes
(cloudy now with cataracts) of my 16 year old Maltese, Leo…..I see Him. I thank Him for this precious gift He gave me many years ago. I thank God for the many memories He has given me of Leo running, playing, barking too much, jumping, and kissing me on the face. Leo does none of these things anymore….but he is still my precious gift…..and he will be until God decides it is time to take him home.
You are indeed blessed to be able to enjoy Leo for so many years. Pets are such a delightful gift from our Heavenly Father!