Our mountain porch overlooks huge butterfly bushes in the yard, and at all times of the day the bushes were filled with butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. We loved gazing at them and observing the differing ways they each approached the sustenance provided by the beautiful purple flowers. The hummingbirds, true to form, generally darted in and out, a sip here, a sip there, flitting and chirping, almost never stationary. (The only time we ever saw them still was at this feeder, and even then, it was a rare and brief occurrence.)
The butterflies were a bit more deliberate--but only a bit. They too flitted and fluttered, but when they set down to enjoy a meal at one of the flowers, they would generally still their lovely wings and stay and sup for a more leisurely amount of time. But the bees, well, those little guys were persistent and patient. Once they found their flower, they locked in for sometimes minutes at a time. They would seemingly disappear into the flower and did not come out, I suppose, till they had throughly had their satiated their appetites.
Now, on the one hand, I could make much of the symbolism of speed eating and rushing through one's repast--as this would often represent our family. Sigh. Every night, I dream of a meal that everyone actually likes and actually eats--granted, this is an utter impossibility in our house, but hope springs eternal. Moreover, I envision the Fountains, a la the Waltons, eating, laughing, talking, and richly sharing over a long, leisurely meal. Theoretically, it could happen. If the apostle Peter could walk on water, then perhaps the Fountains might be able to all eat and savor such a meal. But, suffice it to say, we have a looooong way to go when it comes to this dream!
But I did ponder how we respond when it comes to eating God's Word. Do we zip in and out like a hummingbird? Do we rush in and just try to get something quickly, always alert to possible distractions and alternatives? Lord, forgive us whenever this is our attitude--just another item on the to do list to be checked off before going on to our busy day.
Or am I more like the butterfly? Still with a fragmented mind, still rushing, but at least trying to pause and ponder what God is telling me in His Word. At least trying to apply it to my life--even if I fail to slow down long enough to really munch and meditate upon His supernatural nectar.
How I hope, however, to be more like the bee--digging down, seeking to be still and know and love Him better through His Word. Not only asking "what is He teaching me, what is He telling me to do or to change" but asking the deeper, greater question: "what is He revealing about Himself here? How do I see Christ here and how can I know, love, and worship Him better?" Digging deep to know Him. Taking time to savor His character--His grace, His forgiveness, His power, His patience, His love, His power. For when we know and love Him better, then we will then respond with daily lives consisting of better attitudes and behavior and actions.
Help us to be bees, Father, who settle in and drink deeply of Your Living Water that fully satisfies and quenches our often restless hearts. Help us seek to know and love You better today than yesterday, better this month than last month, better this year than last year. Keep us moving deeper, Lord! To God be the glory.
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