Of angels and butterflies

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go out surveying for work again. I usually take the offer a few times a year to get out and get some exercise, but this time I bit off a bit more than I can chew. It was at a limestone quarry up near state college and we were surveying a series of wetlands and channels on-site.

Factors like being in the sun all day, swarmed with insects, dodging poison leaves or thorn bushes, and navigating the ugly terrain carrying all the gear made it very difficult work. Mostly because nothing was close or easy to get to. Even points that were only 4 feet apart required me to climb down and then up or walk 50 feet up and back down the channel. At one point I even found myself hanging nearly upside-down in one of the deeper trenches; having caught my left leg in a tree root while climbing down into it. While it was interesting to see the quarry and the work going on there I found myself only wanting to leave by the half-way point; grumbling under my breath about how much it sucked.

Then their was a surprise appearance by an old friend. Many months back I posted about a little white butterfly who broke the negativity of my day. A messenger of sorts to remind me of better things. Well I doubt it was the same guy in the literal sense, but it was the same guy to me. He would flutter by and hover near me. I'd say, "Hey there. Haven't seen you in a while." and I'd smile because of the encounter. That much got me thinking about that same message delivered so long ago.

Throughout the day he came to walk with me on several occasions and I do mean that; the little white butterfly would pull up beside me and proceed to keep the same pace and direction I was. We talked a little bit along the way about how I appreciated his company in such a strenuous time. It was not only a reminder to see the good in things like the chance to view and appreciate creation, but also was just a reminder that He is always there to keep us on the right path...keep us focused and strong.

At any rate, I'm getting older. Their was a time when a day climbing wouldn't have phased me much. Now however, I went home and fell asleep before the sun when down. (^_^)