Vache a Dieu (Little Creature)

Job 12:7-10, "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea tell you. Every one of these knows that the hand of the Lord has done this. The life of every creature and the breath of all people are in God’s hand."

     I've said many times that nature can teach us great lessons that we can carry into how we live our lives. I did this once before and we'll have some fun trying again. Can you guess what I'm going to talk about? Who am I?

-        We chew from side to side instead of up and down.

-        When threatened we give out a foul-tasting fluid from our leg joints or play dead.

-        We can consume up to 75 aphids in one day.

-        We were once sent to space by NASA to see how we forge for aphids with no gravity.

     Have you guessed yet 😊 here are a few more clues.

-        We can come in yellow, black, orange, or red and can fade as we age.

-        Our delicate wings are hidden under our hard shell.

-        Our outer shell design is always symmetrical on both sides.

-        In the Middle Ages we were called ‘Beatles of Our Lady’.

     If you haven't guessed yet, it’s ladybugs. Many people may not enjoy ladybugs because they can multiply in vast numbers and invade one's home very quickly on those warm summer days. I remember my grandmother's downstairs was always invaded and she had to keep a vacuum on hand just to clear out the rooms. Once we lived in a house that was inviting to ladybugs. It seemed during that certain time of year our siding outside was more ladybugs than siding. Luckily where we live now, we've been safe from the yearly invasion. But, before we get all bugged out at the idea of ladybug season, we need to remember they are still part of God's creation and have a great purpose. For one, they benefit farmers by reducing the need for pesticides. They are also good for eating pests around your home, especially in gardens and on farms. They also serve as indicators of a balanced, healthy ecosystem. So, maybe before pulling out the vacuum, try shooing them back outside first 😉

     So, what can we learn from our friendly ladybugs that we can apply to a way we can live.

-        Spot new opportunities: Isaiah 43:19

God is active in creating unexpected opportunities for us on a regular basis. He has also given us talents and gifts that help us lead others to Him. Take time to spot those new opportunities and try new things.

-        Spend time in your garden and enjoy the wonder of nature: Psalm 96:11-12, Psalm 65:12-13, Isaiah 55:12

Reading these verses easily brings a smile to my face such as joy, songs bursting, valleys clapping, feeling jubilant. Nature was created by God and is good for us to be in. It can fill us with peace and calm, even rejuvenate us. The ladybugs love gardens, maybe we can enjoy some time in the garden too. Let's take time to get out in nature.

-        Be well-rounded: 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Find adaptability and balance. Learn new things, challenge yourself. Stay positive by cultivating a cheerful, resilient mindset. Find joy in small simple things. Build a strong network of friends, family, and colleagues.

-        Don't let the small stuff bug you: Proverbs 12:16, John 14:27

Learn to accept things as they are when they are out of your control. Turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Ask yourself if it will matter in a year. Know and release rigid plans on how your day ‘should’ go and learn to go with the flow.

-        Keep family close by: Proverbs 27:9

Not all families work well together but even when we don't have blood family, we have families. They could be coworkers, your church, your friends. No matter how they come, we need family. God created every animal and human to not be alone. To have someone to talk to, share common mindsets, vent to, lean on, have a unity with, it’s good for our growth and health. Family shares a strong protective bond and will have your back. Together you can be a wall of defense against the world. Like the ladybugs who covered my outside wall, we need to keep family close.

-        Be simply beautiful: 1 Peter 3:3-4

Despite being a nuisance because they multiply by the dozens. When you catch a ladybug and look at it closely, it is a pretty bug. I found it unique that their dots on each wing can only be the same number on each side. Their wings hide under their shell. Unique and beautiful, the way the Lord made them. We are all unique and beautiful the way the Lord created us. We all have something unique that makes us, us. All we have to do is be simply us and God's light will shine through for others to see.

     Ladybugs can be seen as a nudge from God, offering comfort, reassurance, or a pause in this hectic life. They can remind us that God gives attention down to the smallest detail. They protect crops yes, but they can remind us that God protects our families, as well as each of us individually. They are reminder of the need for balance and the loveliness in God's creation. So, before you vacuum those little guys up, pause a moment, remember to stop over striving, and trust God's providence in your life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and if you'd like take a few more minutes to look around or click on my other links, God bless.

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