This last week we had our second VBS event where we are talking about God making beautiful things, even out of the dust around us. It made me be more aware of my surroundings and to be ready for those unexpected serendipities which cause me to smile.

I was preparing my oatmeal breakfast this last week and was getting out the nuts, raisins, spices, and then opening up the oatmeal container when I saw a beautiful thing. We have one large plastic container which holds our Trader Joe Rolled Oats. We had just purchased a new bag the day before and I had refilled the red topped oatmeal container.

I started to dip my quarter cup measuring cup into the bin when I noticed some movement among the flakes of oatmeal. It was red and had legs. Much to my surprise there was a ladybug in my oatmeal container. I don’t know how she got there (are there any male ladybugs?). If she came by way of Trader Joe’s then she was packaged prior to being placed on the shelf at the store.

I was excited to see this special good morning friend. She didn’t look any worse for wear, or confinement, she was moving all her legs (do they have arms) free as you please.

I scooped her up with my fingers and walked her to the back door. She left without a backward glance and whether she knew she was now in Texas or at least in the great outdoors or not, she disappeared into the backyard.

Some may be concerned about what else might be in that package of oats, but I for one was just excited to be greeted early in the morning by a long lost fellow traveler on this planet.

God does indeed make beautiful things and if we don’t pay attention we may not see them. So, I look forward to mornings with new and exciting surprises and give thanks for another way, most unusual I would have to say, to greet the new day.

Surprises at waiting around the corner or in the bag, who knows, keep on the look out.

Blessings,

Randy McG-B