Chase the butterfly. Follow it into the fields, beyond the high standing blades of grass. Chase it through the meadow. Watch as it lights gently on a graceful pedal, fresh and vibrant with color. Watch as it flits about and yet remains still, without neglecting one bit of the beauty of the flower. See its appreciation for the bloom’s glory, its presence. See it respond and give, and yet also take that of which it has need.

Learn from this precious creature. Draw strength from its example. Be as a butterfly, freely moving through the pastures, freely passing would-be distractions, to light on a single bloom that is life-giving and fragrant. Let it nourish you for that day, that moment. It shall provide what you desire in that day.

And tomorrow. And the morrow after that.

Let your wings open wide and take flight. Glide in elegance on the wind as it lifts you, propels you, and caresses you. Glide gently into nature’s grace which will succor you and ease you on through your journey – from one bloom to another, and then another. Glide gently, sweetly on the spirit that moves you . . . the spirit that loves you and tugs at you, saying “Don’t stop now. Yes, this is beautiful. It is restful. But there is much more that is even more splendid, more glorious. Where you are now pales to where you will be. Continue on.”

Yes, unfold those wings and come to yet another flower that waits for you in golden sunlight. Glide gently. Be steady. Be fervent and take flight.

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from Joy Unfolding: Messages for the Guarded Heart