A butterfly resting between a rabbit’s ears is already a fortunate little sight. When it lifts away and then returns, the encounter acquires a second, almost comic sweetness. The rabbit remains among the clover as though being chosen twice is simply part of the afternoon.
“This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”
Psalm 118:23 (KJV)
In Psalm 118, this declaration follows the image of a rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone. The wonder concerns an unexpected reversal credited to God, and the New Testament later applies that stone imagery to Jesus. The verse’s original force reaches beyond pleasant coincidence into thanksgiving for what God has brought about.
The butterfly’s return offers a lighter occasion for wonder alongside those words. We can enjoy an unexpected delight without claiming to know why it happened. Gratitude allows us to receive the moment fully while remaining modest about our explanations.
Much that brightens a day arrives without our planning: an encouraging message, a surprising kindness, or a glimpse of beauty we nearly missed. We cannot arrange every such encounter, but we can notice when one comes. May we remain receptive to small delights and generous in giving thanks for them.