Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Dear God,

One tender heart can display the merciful heart of God.

My six-year-old grandson found a large, pretty moth lying on the ground in the campground.  Like any active little boy he threw a stick at it.  I came running when I realized what he was doing.  We examined the lovely creature together.  That brought two more grandchildren to our side.  We knelt down to take a closer look. One wing was ripped and torn.  Try as it might, the creature could not lift off.  It fluttered and shivered and it was apparent, the moth was dying.

I went back to my lunch preparations when nine-year-old Stella came to me saying she had made a "grave" for the moth.  I stopped what I was doing and we walked over together.  She had circled rocks together, put down some moss and made a small cross with twigs.  The moth was lying next to it. It was beautiful.  "Grandma, I have feelings for the moth."  She spoke with a quivering voice.  We stood holding each other when I said we needed to pray for the dying creature.

During the rest of the camp out one of us would pause by the memorial site.  I suspect some prayed and some just thought about the sadness of life and death.  But what I reflected upon was the gift of Stella whose tender love for a dying moth was shown for all those who would enter the campsite.

My heart
is full
of gratitude
for your
merciful love,
O Lord.
Through Stella
you showed us mercy
and compassion.
Teach us
to be
like Stella,
like you.

Love, Andrea