A New Discovery

Have you ever looked at something that you’re familiar with and then later discovered it wasn’t so familiar after all, only to discover it wasn’t at all what you thought you were looking at?

I had been walking my dog Kippy just after a thunderstorm to make a needed visit to a patch of rock and bushes. We walked slowly to avoid puddles from the recent Thunderstorm amidst the thick humid air with a real feel of over 100 degrees. I am still getting used to this Northwest Arkansas weather but enjoying the beauty and wonder of this “Natural State”. Exploring the creatures, plants, and stars in the sky has always fascinated me and reminds me of how our God created so much beauty in great detail. Taking Kippy on walks has afforded me many opportunities to see what I might otherwise miss.

My new discovery happened as I encountered the tiniest and most unusual looking yellow and black Hummingbird I had ever seen. It flew quickly and intentionally from one lavender sprig of flowers to the next, only pausing for a brief collection of nectar. It was not at all deterred by the bees or ominous thunderclouds above. These tiny little creatures amaze me with their speed, accuracy, and sheer determination to seek out and capture what they need. Their beauty in color and design is evidence of how creative God is.  With Kippy at my side, waiting for my adventure interruption to pass (yes, even he is accustomed to my ‘squirrel’ moments), I took out my phone to capture a video of this fascinating creature. I wondered where this most unusual hummingbird had come from and how it would survive the many predators while being so tiny.

This unique interaction with the tiny Hummingbird was about to remind me that there are many things I have yet to discover in this life. And that some very familiar things are not always what they appear to be. As I watched this tiny Hummingbird fly about, I noticed that in addition to being so very tiny, something else looked different. It was moving so fast and had a few Bees sharing its flying space, so I could not look too closely.

When I returned home and had time to look carefully at the video and freeze the frames, I was amazed at what I saw. This was no ordinary Hummingbird; in fact, it was not even a bird of any species. But that of a moth! A “Snowberry Clearwing”, to be precise, AKA Strawberry Moth, Lobster Moth, or Hummingbird Moth. A Moth? Really? Not at all what I thought I was looking at. Upon close examination of this picture, I could see the intricate design and beauty of delicate lace-like wings, soft fur-like covering, vibrant yellow coloring, fanned-out tail, and long furry antennae on this large moth! Not at all a Hummingbird, to be certain. And while it too is designed to fly quickly and collect nectar like the Hummingbird it is not at all related to a bird, but a completely different species, that of a moth. I had made my own new discovery! But not new to God, who had carefully, skillfully, and intentionally created this moth to be just one of His many unique creations.

My new discovery today was not at all about whether I saw a Hummingbird or a Moth but instead about looking closer and exploring what may seem familiar beyond what I have become accustomed to. Sometimes, the familiar can be taken for granted, not recognized, forgotten, or simply passed by in the rush of living life. This experience reminded me to simply stop a moment and take a closer or second look, to listen, slow down, and quiet the noise of the world around me and in my own mind. So that I can experience a moment of wonder and appreciation for all that God has created.

Psalm 104:24
How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
The earth is full of your creatures.

The Hummingbird and the Moth are creatures designed by God, they may look similar and consume nectar from the same flowers, but they are uniquely different. Isn’t God’s creation amazing, wonderous, and beautiful? There is so much to see, experience, explore, and appreciate in this world. His works are magnificent and marvelous indeed! What a joy it was for me to discover one of His creatures on this walk and share it with you. I want to pause a bit more to listen as God speaks through His creation. His works are wonderful and amazing, I am so thankful for His creation and each new discovery He reveals to me.

Job 12:7-10
⁷ “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
    or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
⁸ or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish in the sea inform you.
⁹ Which of all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
¹⁰ In his hand is the life of every creature
    and the breath of all mankind.”

May God bless and inspire you as you enjoy His creation,

Pati

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Listen to Creation

Take time to look
beyond what I can see.

Explore creation like a book,
of stories that I read.

Listen to creation, watch, and see
God speaks through it to me.

There is so much more
to enjoy and explore.

Through what I pass each day,
Creation has much more to say.

Take time to pause and look intently
to all that God created, beyond what I can see.

Listen to creation,
God is speaking to me.

Pati Rader 8/2024