The butterfly is flitting from flower to flower around the garden. Its colours so delicate, its actions so effortless as it lands on a petal, then like an Autumn leaf in the wind takes off and flutters onto another petal. As I watch I can't help but notice the gentleness with which it lands first on a rose petal, then on the leaf of a Chrysanthemum. The plant does not move as the tiny feet touch down and there is no swaying of the branch as it takes off again in search of another landing place. Its colours are exquisite and the delicate shape of its wings something to behold, but it seems to move from flower to flower without creating any fuss or drawing attention to itself

As I quietly watch the butterfly going about its daily business I wonder if I could walk into a room and go about my business without drawing attention to myself, or do I have to be noticed? Do I expect the leaves to bend under my weight, a recognition of my influence and authority, or can I touch people's lives with the gentleness of a butterfly and walk away satisfied that I had done what God had put me here to do?

The beauty of the butterfly is clear to see, there is no doubting its intricate patterns and brilliant colours, but it doesn't shout out "look at me''. It doesn't bombard the flowers, announcing its presence but neither does it hide its beauty. Rather, it is in its gentleness that its true beauty becomes evident. Perhaps it's time to take a leaf out of the butterfly's book and learn the lasting influence that comes from gentleness and a humble heart.