The Gift of the Inch worm

While I was on a silent directed retreat in August, an inch worm dropped onto the patio table while I was at prayer. The trend of my prayer was to find God’s hand in my time of transition. I had been complaining to God about the lack of clarity that I had about the possibilities in this time of transition from working to ministry in different locations. It felt like a big problem and this little inch worm was a mismatch. The issues that I was rumination on felt large and weighty and the inch worm was so small.

Since I am typically a reflective person, I took the time to meditate and reflect on the gift of this little, green inch worm. I heard that small, still voice, say “observe this inch worm, and be open to what it teaches you”.

What I learned was amazing. I am very much a high energy person, often drawn to be a work-a-holic. I am a seeker and adventurer. It is difficult for me to sit quietly and to allow my spirit and heart to connect to the wisdom of my Creator. In my head, I know that this Creator sees a bigger picture than I do. This Creator draws the beings into a place of unity and wholeness. My compulsions as a work-a-holic are to move on fast forward and find my own way – my own answer. The inch worm moves in small deliberate steps. It pauses often to survey the territory and evaluate its next move.

Making room for the greater vision of the Divine is not easy for me. It often means that I must commit myself to listen at a deeper level. Perhaps, I must die to self a little more as well. That is my invitation. What is yours?