In my last post, I dove into my “God is Real” Moment. Before September, I chalked most things up to coincidence, until I met Little Blue. I was often caught saying, “everything happens for a reason”. Now, those reasons are becoming crystal clear. If they aren’t yet clear, I’m finding peace in who is behind them and I’m seeing God work in my life everyday. Sometimes I’m reflecting on the past, seeing things from my new point of view and thinking, “wow, God was definitely behind that one”.
I’ve heard some call these little moments God Winks, and frankly I love that term.
God has winked at me countless times, but one special moment comes to mind. On September 20, (just a few hours before experiencing a transformational spiritual awakening) I laid in the front yard in the sun for over an hour. This was my usual post-lunch routine at the time, consciously leaving my phone inside to fully take in everything around me. I knew the benefits of healing through grounding and sunlight exposure, but this was mostly a routine that brought me so much peace as I listened to the birds chirping and looked up at the trees swaying.
I was laying on my stomach, propped up on my arms, picking at the weeds, and admiring the flowering clover in my front yard. It was then that I noticed the smallest butterfly I have ever seen. I am used to seeing butterflies around this time of year, mostly monarchs, due to the large amount of wildflowers we plant every year by our driveway, but this was different.
This butterfly was the size of a penny and frosty light blue in color. Usually when you spot a butterfly it’s fleeting, there for just a few seconds for you to admire, and gone before you can get too close. This butterfly was different, choosing to sit on a clover flower less than a foot away from me. It sat there for at least 10 minutes, letting me admire it. It would slowly open and close its wings, allowing me to appreciate every small detail. Part of me wishes I had my phone to document, but most of me knows this moment is even more special because I didn’t.
For several weeks after the initial butterfly sighting, it paid me a visit each day when I was spending time outside in the grass. This happened most days, just the same, the butterfly spending up to 15 minutes with me allowing me to appreciate all parts of it. I jokingly called it Little Blue. Ross thought I was crazy, until one day he witnessed it for himself. He was even able to spend a few minutes with Little Blue, confirming that I was in fact not making this up.
At one point I became curious about what type of butterfly this might be. After a quick Google, I found that it is called a Holly Blue. After a bit more perusing online I read that in many cultures and religions the Holly Blue butterfly is believed to be a sign of spiritual transformation, personal growth, and rebirth. Some cultures believe the butterfly is a symbol of beautiful things to come, while others see it as an omen of change.
In Christianity, the Holly Blue is thought to be a symbol of hope, faith, and the abundance of love from God. Some even believe it means an angel is nearby.
Regardless of culture or religion, the symbolism behind the Holly Blue is powerful. How beautiful to have spent so much time up close and personal with Little Blue. I found even more appreciation for him, especially since I never saw another of his kind.
One day in October, I spent another few minutes with Little Blue in what became our routine. I was just about to go inside when he fluttered around me, gathering pollen from the flowering clover just a few inches away. He flew all the way around me, making a full circle, sat just at the edge of my towel, and then fluttered away. I’m not sure what it was, but I knew this was his way of saying goodbye while giving me one last moment of appreciation. I came inside with a full heart and a smile on my face.
Old Me would’ve thought, “what a coincidence” that I saw this butterfly during such a transformative time. Old Me probably wouldn’t have found any meaning in Little Blue. Old Me would’ve been sad when Little Blue said goodbye. But New Me knows meeting Little Blue was a God Wink. And New Me feels fulfilled and has found such joy in all of the ways God has been working in my life. I’m grateful for what may seem like small moments like this one, even though to me they are not insignificant.
If you need me this Fall, you’ll probably find me sitting in the grass in my front yard, soaking up the sun, and hoping to see another Holly Blue.
Cover Art by @HPH_Art
