The devotional revealed by the dragonfly

Our family is blessed with two amazing dogs – one young and sprightly and one very senior dog. Despite their age differences and varying abilities, they have become the best of friends. It has been the sweetest bond to witness.

To provide exercise and an awakening of their senses – they want to stop to smell as many “roses” as possible – we’ve enjoyed morning walks lately. We’ve experienced gorgeous sunrises and the morning fog lifting off a nearby body of water. The time together has been full of joy and reflection.

More than once lately, we have encountered a grouping of dragonflies. I have stopped to observe the way they interact with the world around them, seemingly full of energy, purpose, and enthusiasm. They are all near enough together to stay in community, but each dragonfly is holding its own space and making its way through the air as though to celebrate their uniqueness as one of God’s creatures.

To watch their flight is breathtaking. They float above the ground with grace, held up by light and delicate wings. However, the strength and force provided by their body propels them forward in an almost effortless fashion.

To observe this phenomenon, we must take notice of the world around us. I am becoming increasingly convinced that if we want to see, hear, and experience God we have to be willing to absorb the signs and signals He places around us all the time.

The dragonfly reminds me of the verse in Proverbs 31:25 (NLT), “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

I am certainly not a Biblical scholar, and I am sure there are many interpretations of this famous verse. But as I watch the dragonfly in flight, I see an equipped creature enjoying the blessing of its flight provided by God.

Sometimes, we can overlook the ways we have been outfitted by God for this life. We can let our worries and stressors weigh us down to the point we miss the wind that is being placed under our wings by a loving Creator. 

Friends, I am calling to you – and myself – to take a stance of intentionality. Let us not miss the flourishing of the flight and the miracle of God’s sovereign presence with us with every movement of the wing and every mile traveled. He has given us what we need, our portion for every day, and the sacred joy in our hearts to enjoy the journey.