©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
“I’m trying to help you,†I shouted. “Get out of here.â€
Over and over again, the insect fluttered its wings on the windowsill trying to get to where it wanted to go. Holding the broom high above my head, I pushed at the four-winged insect in an effort to get it to turn toward the open garage door.
The dragonfly ignored my pleas and fought my attempts to drive it out of the garage into fresh air and sunshine.
Separated from the sun, the beautiful creation buzzed and beat repeatedly against the closed window even though a yard full of delights awaited. The dragonfly had flown away from blooming flowers and bushes into an unfamiliar and dangerous place. As it tried to reach happiness and freedom, this one found itself blocked, yet unwilling to change direction.
“That’s like God with us and sin,†I said to the handyman replacing light fixtures above the garage. “He’s trying to help us get out of danger, but we think we know what’s best.â€
The God who created the universe knows the danger we don’t always see.
I knew the danger the dragonfly didn’t.
If the dragonfly didn’t get out quickly it would die. Only two hours before, the pest control agent had sprayed in the garage for pest prevention. The longer the dragonfly stayed in the situation, the more in danger it was.
Time and time again, I tried to get the dragonfly to move, but I was unsuccessful.
Friends, spouses, accountability partners, and small group participants should try to prevent each another from getting into unsafe situations and help one another navigate out of them. Guidance given though is best with much prayer and genuine compassion. The love of God and the love shared by His followers can encourage us to remove ourselves from situations that separate us from the abundance available to us.
I had gotten the dragonfly down to the bottom of the windows and closer to safety, but my arms and shoulders tired from the effort. The handyman came in to help. Taller and stronger (and calmer), he pushed the broom close to the dragonfly.
“Come on. Get on there,†he coaxed, his voice low and encouraging. Suddenly, the dragonfly latched onto the bristles of the broom. Held safely in the strength of his savior’s arms, the dragonfly found freedom.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
- Can you think of a time when you saved an insect or an animal?
- Have you ever lovingly approached a friend in sin and encouraged them to turn away from danger and come back to the Lord? Is there someone you need to pray about today?
- What path have you pursued that took you away from the closeness of Christ and the true joy in life? Are you fully back in the Son-shine?
- What lesson do you see in this dragonfly’s experience?
“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.†With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.†Acts 2:39-40 NIV
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™