var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-24260977-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

AsI’ve written here before, every year in October, I usually see one Monarchbutterfly visit the lantana and butterfly bushes in my back yard. It’s usuallythe 23-26, but this year on the 15th, while at a standing desk in myoffice, I looked out through the French door and there it was flitting aroundover a week early (Well, not the same one, but the fourth generation from theone I saw last year. You can read more about this on an earlier post which I’lllink to). I ran for my camera, and when I got outside, I realized it was notjust one butterfly as usual, but he or she brought two friends along. Twobeautiful, glorious, unexpected guests.

Inever could capture more than one butterfly at a time, but I enjoyed trying. Ialso warned them of a Downy woodpecker I had seen jetting through. He’s beautiful,but he’s not that nice, and is always looking for a snack.

Iwondered because of the three butterflies instead of one,  if there might have been an increase inmonarch populations since I last checked. It seemed unlikely given their steepdecline. But sure enough, when I researched, I found the population hadincreased. They are still far below what they’ve been in the past, but anyimprovement is good.

Thesebutterflies appeared during a hard week here at this house, and the first wordsthat came to mind were those David spoke in  Psalm 86, “Give me a sign of your goodness,that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you Lord, have helped meand comforted me.” The enemy of our soul often whispers that we are alone, butGod in his grace and mercy sends us reminders of his presence and his goodness.For me, those butterflies were that reminder, and there were not one but three.The news that their populations were increasing was also an encouragementbecause it seemed that the downward spiral was unstoppable.

Whencircumstances in our lives for whatever reason seem on a negative trajectory,we can take comfort in these signs of God’s unfailing love and comfort.

Here is the link to more info about the Monarchs. 

 

 

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023