A butterfly visit is an honor

There is something very special about a butterflies visiting my garden! The way butterflies drift through, it almost looks like stained glass in motion. Every butterfly is a living masterpiece—nature’s own designer wings. These tiny creatures are so full of color. Their wings, painted by God’s hand, are breathtaking. Like snowflakes, no two butterflies are ever identical—each one is a unique work of art, here for only a moment. Because their time with us is brief, it makes each visit feel like an honor.

Their brief lifespan, often no longer than a few weeks, is a reminder of life’s impermanence. Some species live mere days, while others, like the Monarch, endure for months as they embark on awe-inspiring migrations. No matter their longevity, each butterfly graces the world for but a heartbeat before vanishing like a whisper on the wind. When they choose to visit our gardens—alighting on a flower or basking in the golden warmth of the sun—it really is a gift to treasure. Of all the places they could have gone, they chose my garden and chose to spend their short life span with me.

Last year, I worked on building a butterfly garden at home so I can enjoy them everyday during their season. I appreciate capturing their beauty before they slip away, preserving their intricate details in the permanence of a photograph. During last season, I identified 27 species in my gardens and I am certain there were more, I just couldn't identify them quickly enough before they fluttered forward in their journey.

So, the next time a butterfly crosses your path, pause for just a moment. Admire its special beauty, its designer wings, and let it remind you of the magic in life’s fleeting wonders. For in that brief encounter, you are witnessing something truly extraordinary—nature’s quiet invitation to embrace the present and cherish the beauty that surrounds us.