In late summer, hundreds of red dragonflies were zipping in the yard - up, down, under, over, stopping, flying, moving, eating, landing.

We don’t enjoy insects landing on us – black flies, mosquitoes, deer flies, yellow jackets -- ouch. We don’t like millipedes creeping across our bare toes in the bathroom, or pincher bugs sleeping in our un-mention-ables.

But dragonflies seem smart, even friendly, despite my boyhood fear when I heard them called flying sewing needles. “That’ll stitch your mouth shut." There aren’t many friendly insects that’ll land on a toe or a hand without malevolence.

Several times, dragonflies got into the house. Each one attached itself to my outstretched finger, accepting a ride outside. I’m not “St. Francis of Assisi of bugs." Dragonflies are just that way. They accept humans. They eat the insects that eat us, and they treat us with, well, an insect form of respect.

It’s as if God said, “Look, people, I had to make biting bugs. They’re necessary for the eco-system. Here -- I made a beautiful insect, clever and colorful, with gossamer wings and superior skills, that’ll eat the bugs that eat you."

This world is full insects that bite and impose other afflictions. Life hurts. But God’s world is also full of goodness and blessings.

Pay attention for a moment, to look for the beauty and balance of God’s creation; look with your inner eye, your loving eye, and you’ll see it.

Let’s Pray: Thank You, God, for biting insects which feed the beauty of the dragonflies. We thank You for wonders in this world. Amen.

Today’s Thought Is: Look for beauty. Feed on God.