I have an interest in English. When actively pursuing this interest I am reading, gleaning vocabulary from my reading, taking notes, and doing what I can to pay attention -to read actively and with an awareness that enables what I have read to become a part of me. Words that I did not know existed will suddenly begin to pop up with a frequency that seems uncanny. Even in the vocabulary poor society in which we live, words with detailed nuances of meaning meander about in our lives. I am assuming the word 'ubiquitous' was in use prior to the day that I heard it first (how could it not have been?) - but I had never noticed it. I now know that Staph and Athlete's foot are both ubiquitous and there is no reason to wear flip flops at the YMCA. It is compromised defences that allow for infection - the organism itself is always present waiting for opportunity for a port of entrance. I learned this tidbit of information the day that Dr. Zorba used 'my' ubiquitous word on his radio show. Each time I hear this word or use it I think - 'That's a word that I know and that I made myself familiar with - I know how it is to be used.'
In this way, prayer is similar. The actions of God have always existed. In joining in partnership with God we are able to come to know more fully the character of God and are then able to recognize His actions when we see them. It is the greatest opportunity to live life consciously; with an awareness that taps into the source of the universe. It is in this conscious communion that life becomes prayer. Glimpses of swallowtail butterflies become a moment's reminder of a God who is passionate about beauty, details, and life abundant. And then to know that while He is aware of the swallowtail and the sparrow - He finds my life 'worth more' than many sparrows or swallowtails.
And since swallowtails are not quite ubiquitous - I was happy to get this picture.
