God and Nature Summer 2020
Dragonfly on Peaceful Waters |
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By Dana Oleskiewicz
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Jeremiah 33:6 (NIV)
Imagine an elegant dragonfly with two pairs of opaque wings laced with black veins, resting in the tall grass of a peaceful pond. Picture the familiar elongated body shape, with three-segmented sections fused together, that characterizes this iridescent insect of the Odonata order.
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Jeremiah 33:6 (NIV)
Imagine an elegant dragonfly with two pairs of opaque wings laced with black veins, resting in the tall grass of a peaceful pond. Picture the familiar elongated body shape, with three-segmented sections fused together, that characterizes this iridescent insect of the Odonata order.
Much of the dragonfly life cycle is spent as a nymph, underwater, where light is limited and the weight of the environment against its body is great. Wave action during turbulent rain from storms pelt the young dragonfly nymph to and fro as it tries to find footing among the aquatic plants in shallow waters. A metamorphosis is about to take place as the late instar larva climbs up out of the enveloping water and sheds its hard carapace to become the beautiful adult dragonfly that we envision. The emergence from the murky waters into the sunlight as a brand-new life form completes its journey.
The mighty storm waves we experience in life can lead to transformation in a similar way. Bumps, bruises, and even deep wounds result from that which we weather, at times beyond our control—or at times because of our own poor choices that put us in the depths of darkness. Like water on earth, the wave of challenges we endure brings us fear, doubt, and hurt that can be enormously destructive—or perhaps nothing more than a gentle ripple. But both are disorienting.
As we move through the viscosity known as living, we are comforted to realize that the Lord is with us. Through God, we can survive the damaging storm waves with grace and humility, aware that healing is always promised to us. Peace comes from the eventual sunlight and calm waters as security in knowing our Lord, represented in the rainbow at the storm’s conclusion, in covenant with each of us. We just need to jump on the boat and embrace Jesus to be at peace.
A dragonfly on peaceful waters can likewise remind us of a renewal. Many cultures revere the dragonfly as a symbol of change and hope. Do you? Where are you today in this time of uncertainty? Do you struggle in the dark cold waters as a young dragonfly bounced about in destructive waves? Do you see the redemptive boat at the surface, as promised to us? Are you climbing up into the light of joy, transformed by confidence that God will heal and give you peace? Are you willing to reach up, grasping the hand of Jesus to be lifted onto the boat of safety and healing? We are always assured of strength in doing so.
Our image can be reflected as distorted in stormy water. Take a moment to consider your circumstances, as well as the storm being felt by all people throughout our nation and abroad. Allow what is being experienced in this storm of confusion to be quieted within your soul, bringing peace to you so that you can see more clearly and in turn offer goodwill to others.
May your heart sing and your face smile the next time you watch a graceful dragonfly as it flies nearby or is seen perched on the gentle grass fronds supported by peaceful waters. Remember the pathway from darkness to light that was accomplished within the life of this precious creature, knowing that you too have been transformed.
Let us offer a prayer of gratitude for the grace of healing, so that we can emerge as a renewed people, even stronger, as is promised to us in Scripture.
Artwork by Dana’s daughter, Lydia Oleskiewicz (16 years old).
Dana Oleskiewicz received a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Aquatic Ecology from Kent State University. She offers comprehensive business management in environmental protection with 30 years of outreach experience. She serves as Administrative Director with the Water Management Association of Ohio (WMAO). Her area of specialization is in organizational development, collaborative decision making, citizen science, and lake ecosystems. Dana also volunteers with Girl Scouts, is Treasurer of the Musical Arts Association of Kenston, and is Chair of her church’s Evangelism Team. Dana joined the ASA staff in November 2018 as the Local Chapter Coordinator.
The mighty storm waves we experience in life can lead to transformation in a similar way. Bumps, bruises, and even deep wounds result from that which we weather, at times beyond our control—or at times because of our own poor choices that put us in the depths of darkness. Like water on earth, the wave of challenges we endure brings us fear, doubt, and hurt that can be enormously destructive—or perhaps nothing more than a gentle ripple. But both are disorienting.
As we move through the viscosity known as living, we are comforted to realize that the Lord is with us. Through God, we can survive the damaging storm waves with grace and humility, aware that healing is always promised to us. Peace comes from the eventual sunlight and calm waters as security in knowing our Lord, represented in the rainbow at the storm’s conclusion, in covenant with each of us. We just need to jump on the boat and embrace Jesus to be at peace.
A dragonfly on peaceful waters can likewise remind us of a renewal. Many cultures revere the dragonfly as a symbol of change and hope. Do you? Where are you today in this time of uncertainty? Do you struggle in the dark cold waters as a young dragonfly bounced about in destructive waves? Do you see the redemptive boat at the surface, as promised to us? Are you climbing up into the light of joy, transformed by confidence that God will heal and give you peace? Are you willing to reach up, grasping the hand of Jesus to be lifted onto the boat of safety and healing? We are always assured of strength in doing so.
Our image can be reflected as distorted in stormy water. Take a moment to consider your circumstances, as well as the storm being felt by all people throughout our nation and abroad. Allow what is being experienced in this storm of confusion to be quieted within your soul, bringing peace to you so that you can see more clearly and in turn offer goodwill to others.
May your heart sing and your face smile the next time you watch a graceful dragonfly as it flies nearby or is seen perched on the gentle grass fronds supported by peaceful waters. Remember the pathway from darkness to light that was accomplished within the life of this precious creature, knowing that you too have been transformed.
Let us offer a prayer of gratitude for the grace of healing, so that we can emerge as a renewed people, even stronger, as is promised to us in Scripture.
Artwork by Dana’s daughter, Lydia Oleskiewicz (16 years old).
Dana Oleskiewicz received a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Aquatic Ecology from Kent State University. She offers comprehensive business management in environmental protection with 30 years of outreach experience. She serves as Administrative Director with the Water Management Association of Ohio (WMAO). Her area of specialization is in organizational development, collaborative decision making, citizen science, and lake ecosystems. Dana also volunteers with Girl Scouts, is Treasurer of the Musical Arts Association of Kenston, and is Chair of her church’s Evangelism Team. Dana joined the ASA staff in November 2018 as the Local Chapter Coordinator.