Delicate Wings–Determined Purpose

 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

 

Anyone else  noticing more butterflies these days?  They seem to be all over the place, at least here in Southern California. Must be their time of year.

 

It reminds me of something.

 

Have you ever heard of the “Butterfly Effect?”

 

It is a theory which states when a butterfly flaps its wings, it moves tiny particles of air…that move tiny particles of air…that move tiny particles of air that eventually could cause a hurricane on the other side of the world.

 

In the 60’s, a scientist by the name of Edward Lorenz developed this theory and coined the phrase when needing to explain it to other scientists.  He was rejected for his theory.  Then in the 90’s, a host of other physicists went to work to prove/disprove his findings and they discovered he wasn’t mad at all.  The theory was proven.  A butterfly’s wing does begin a continuum of air movement that is far reaching.  In fact, the theory is about moving-matter in general.  They came up with a long and scientific title for it, but the vernacular remained…The Butterfly Effect.

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Photo by Amber Bowman

 

Andy Andrews wrote a book in 2010 about all of this, titled…The Butterfly Effect-How Your Life Matters.  In it, he put some thoughts to words in this way:

 

“Every single thing you do matters.  You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world.”

 

And Elaine Tietz stood up on a stage a few years ago and told a group of women about Andy Andrews book and this effect. She explained of sharing of her faith and how others along the way were affected by her simple acts.  I was in the audience that day.

 

And now you are reading my post, telling YOU all about it.

 

Do you think the theory of the Butterfly Effect is real?

 

You see, each and every day you and I flap our little wings and move air that moves other air.

 

Each and every day we speak to someone, write to someone, share with someone—words and actions and feelings that push air.  What we do right now will continue on its path forever.  Decisions we make–good or bad–will impact someone else. The words we choose to speak to our children.  The actions we choose to deal with our spouse. The interactions we have with a stranger…all are movements of air that move their air.

 

The question is—how are we moving that air?

 

Are we flapping mindlessly and without cause?  Or are we enriching those around us?  And more importantly are we being the children of God and acting like it?  Are we spreading His Kingdom?

 

Isaiah wrote:

“…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” 55:11 NIV

 

What if we lived our lives remembering this verse every single moment of the day? What would our impact on this world look like?  How would those around us grow in their lives?

 

Our words, matter.

 

Our actions, matter.

 

Our decisions, matter.

 

We push air every second of the day which impact others, which impact others, which imp…

 

Not only for today, but for a lifetime.

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Photo by Renae Bowman

 

As Mr. Andrews reminds us in his book, we have been created as one of a kind. But we already know that.  Don’t we?

 

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

 

God made you for a reason.

 

He made us to push the air…for Him.

 

I pray that we all start living this way.

 

The other side of the world is waiting for us!

 

(I created a link to a short video from YouTube of Andy Andrews speaking. Just hover your curser over his name and click on the link.  It may be the most influential 9 minutes of your life.  And the book’s title has a similar link if you want to find the book on Amazon.)

 

 

6 Replies

  1. You hit the nail on the head Renae. So grateful for Mercy for what I have caused by my mouth and actions. The thought that what we choose to do and say doesn’t impact other’s is a LIE. We all have suffered from the hands of others. Not just people we know but people we run into all day long. I pray that God helps me be aware of all I choose to do and say that it always points to Jesus. Thank you and Raye for your truthful words of encouragement.

    1. Thank YOU Suzi! We forget how we impact others and they, us. Reminders. Reminders are what we need–every second of the day–at least I do!!! Thank you for commenting and stopping by. We just love to hear from you all.

  2. Chrissy

    Hi Renae,

    Yes, you are more astute than you think. I too have seen more butterfly’s lately. They know better than the calendar that it is almost Autumn and are making their way South to Mexico. And yes, now is coming the time of year for hurricanes. I want to be a big hurricane-causing effect for good, in the people that I meet every day. Maybe my life’s activities might be mundane, but I’m surely NOT! God makes each one of us interesting and unique. Let’s all go out and bless someone today. We each have our own special God-placed appointment!

    1. Just the image of those delicate butterflies flying all the way to Mexico…well, gives me more thoughts to write about! Yes Chrissy, we truly need to be hurricanes for Christ. We are NOT mundane creators. We do have God appointments just waiting for us. Its sad that so many of us will squander it. I hope today’s writing will encourage others to push that air of faith and kindness just one flap at a time. Thank you for stopping by and giving us feedback. We truly cherish it!!

  3. Diane

    There are days I cling to this truth. . .days when my day in and day out mundane activities render me useless . . .in my head. I thank you for the jolt to look for ways in that day in day out life to catch the moment and leave a footprint of kindness, goodness, or a touch of love to someone in someway. . .

    1. You are so right Diane, I too have been rendered useless in the day-to-day stuff, yet find this thought pattern as a lifeline that Jesus throws to me. If we lived as though we were pushing air with our wings constantly, how much more sweeter will our impact be on those around us. Loved Andrews message. It has had an impact on my life. But really, God said it first!! LOL. Thank you for stopping by.

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