Julie Lavender

CONSIDER THE KATYDID
by Julie Lavender

 

Have you ever seen a walking leaf?

Well, obviously a leaf can’t really walk.

I encountered a katydid on my walk with God this morning, and I first thought a green leaf was sauntering across the grass.  Related to the grasshopper and cricket, the katydid has long, thin hind legs and is a master of camouflage when surrounded by foliage.

Rising to the top ....

Wings that resemble leaves serve more as a camouflage mechanism than a flying purpose. And the katydid nymph often displays even shorter, tinier wings. Typically katydids use those long legs for walking and scaling trees.

I like to spot katydids, because, more often, they’re found way up high in a tree, munching on the choicest, juiciest leaves at the top.

The leaves must be tastier there. The view is probably better, too.

Which reminds me of the story of Zacchaeus in the Bible, where the tax collector – a short one, presumably – climbed to the top of a tree to get a better glimpse of Jesus.

to get a better view...

Must’ve been slightly challenging, donned in a long, flowing robe cinched at the waist with a rope, a tunic undergarment, and leather sandals on his feet, all while attempting to desperately hang on to a purse that was most likely weighed down with dishonesty and deception.

Zacchaeus probably thought he was camouflaged, up there in that tree. His curiosity led him to peek at Jesus, but he never dreamed he’d be spotted by Jesus, let alone have a dinner invitation extended to him by God’s one and only Son.

Dear God, please let me see Jesus today.

I wonder if I’m willing to move past the challenges to see Jesus each day. To clamor for the best view, no matter what’s hindering me that day or in that moment.

 

Help me cast off sin and unwanted baggage. 

To not allow baggage to weigh me down and keep me from seeing Him. Especially if I’ve accumulated that baggage through sinful practices that I need to turn from or cast off.

And catch a glorious glimpse of You. 

Whenever I see a katydid – or any of God’s amazing creations – I know I’ve seen the One who sent the camouflaged, winged creature. And when I do whatever it takes to see Jesus, I know I’ve seen the One who sent Him, too.

What about you? 

What helps you see Jesus?

For me, it’s starting my morning with a prayer-walk, swinging on my front porch and meditating on God’s goodness, reading God’s words in my Bible, listening to Christian radio stations, serving those in need alongside my brothers and sisters in the faith, or spending time with my husband and adult children.

Comment below on your ‘Jesus-sightings.’ I’d love to hear what helps you get a better glimpse of Jesus!