A Welcomed Visitor

I am participating in the 30-Week Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius retreat that is offered at the Center. It has been a wonderful journey so far. Each day consists of 30-45 minutes of reflection and contemplation surrounding a specific Scripture passage. This morning's passage was Romans 8:18-25.

I began my prayer inside my house at my usual prayer spot. As I refilled my coffee, I decided to continue my contemplation on my front porch. These magnificent summer-like days will soon disappear, so I thought I should take advantage of God's beauty.

The passage prompted me to think about how the world and all of its creation must undergo suffering and ultimately die. But that's not the end of the story! What would be the point in hoping if we already know the end?

"in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God." (Romans 8:21)

My prayer suddenly took on more meaning when an unexpected, yet welcomed visitor appeared.

The most beautiful, content dragonfly landed on my open page and rested peacefully for a good 5 minutes! This little friend holds even more meaning for me as I remember his visits shortly before and after I lost my mother. I reminded myself of the meaning of dragonflies: "Spiritually, a dragonfly symbolizes transformation, change, and new beginnings. It represents joy, wisdom, and adaptability, as well as messages from the spiritual world, like spirit guides or ancestors." (Summary)

Thank you God for this hope-filled messenger of grace. Truly a gift from above.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17