by Michelle Burkhardt

Created on: January 21, 2009

Caterpillar Miles

One day while on my way to a soccer game, of course, where else would a soccer-mom of four active boys be going, I noticed a baby, gypsy-moth caterpillar. It was inside our vehicle crawling on the dashboard. I contemplated whether or not to smush him with my black shoe, throw him out the car window at 65 mph (No wait, Paul, my husband-the pilot , was flying, I mean driving 75 mph) and hope it survived the fall by avoiding being flattened by the other speeding cars, or hold it until we reached our final destination and release it back into its own environment on a green, leafy bush. Being the old softy that I am, I held it gently in the palm of my hands.

As I watched this delicate creature crawl, I had to keep moving my hands, one-over-the-other because I did not want the caterpillar to fall as it reached the end of my hand. My furry, little friend was on a serious mission to get somewhere. Where did he think he was going? Did he know that I controlled his journey just by alternating my hands? He was busy covering several caterpillar miles, yet, getting nowhere.

It dawned on me that I could see myself in this tiny creature's determination. I am constantly moving forward conquering my check list. My legs carry me from one place to another and by the end of the day, I cannot even remember what I did that day. This hectic lifestyle often causes me to forget to slow down and appreciate my life. Unlike my caterpillar we do not have to waste our energy traveling on an endless road; we have a Heavenly Father that will guide us and remind us what is important.

The Holy Spirit is our promised Counselor and Guide sent when Jesus went to Heaven. By submitting yourself daily to His leading, and His strength, you will make wise choices that prevent you from wondering around aimlessly like the little caterpillar. Instead, you will have confidence that the road ahead is paved with God's smooth blacktop for a peaceful journey.

Walk in Wisdom:

Ephesians 5:15-21 says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. . . be filled with the Spirit. . . giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God."

Life Application Study Bible: NKJV

Learn more about this author, Michelle Burkhardt.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.