Are you a moth or butterfly?

To some this moth is ugly and not as beautiful as a butterfly. Yet as Mags and I watched it flutter about one evening, we smiled. It is beautiful. We snapped pictures (of course) and once we returned inside we researched what type of “butterfly” this was out so late one evening. To our surprise, it is a moth.

Hmm…this left me to think. When people look at me, do they see a moth or a butterfly? I will be honest with you, there are days I feel yucky, sad, or just plain moody yet when I walk through the door of my house I place on my “happy face” for the world. HOWEVER, it is hard to keep up a false front. The Bible tells us the thoughts of our heart will eventually come out through our words and actions.

I am thankful for a God who forgives and my heart to seek forgiveness. In truth, whom am I fooling? And for that matter, why do we try to hide our “bad days” from the world? Everyone has a bad day. Instead of walking out the door masquerading as a butterfly, we need to hold our head high and be the moth we are feeling like. I have learned when I am honest about my feelings and heart-a-tude, God brings someone or something across my path to turn my day around.

I have learned if I walk out the day with a prayer of “Lord, you know I am _____ today, may you use this for your glory. May I not become stagnant in my trouble but instead break through with joy and thanksgiving to give you the praise. I am Yours, may I reflect you.” No mask but instead an honest prayer because I am human and so are you!

It doesn’t matter the how professional the mask you where is, God knows your heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)

So you might as well admit your feelings and troubles go God, he already knows.

Have you ever worn a “mask” for the sake of others? Instead of sharing your troubles, stress, or hurt with God and others, did you bury it deep in your heart? If so, what happened later in the day or evening?

How has God worked in your life when you start by giving all those things to Him first?

Please share in a comment below. You never know when your words will be the encouragement another needs to make it through a season in their life.