“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”... —2 Corinthians 12:9 (niv)
Yesterday morning, as I took coffee on the deck overhung with maple branches where I am house-sitting, a chartreuse glimmer caught my eye. A tiny inchworm dropped out of the air, paused, then dropped some more to hang in space with no visible support. A wisp of a breeze revealed its suspension thread when it swayed and flashed silver. This inchworm hung about ten feet off the ground and about twenty feet below the nearest maple branch. It remained still for only a few minutes, then began to hump and stretch, and hump and stretch, literally inching up its lifeline as insubstantial as a hair. I sat hypnotized by the determination and trust of this speck of life.
I can relate to its precarious existence.
About a year ago, I gave up my apartment, stashed my furniture and other belongings in my daughter’s basement, and embarked upon my Year of Houseless Living, the better to afford international travel and writing retreats. By renting rooms, house-and pet-sitting, staying with relatives, and visiting friends, I have enjoyed shelter, companionship, and productive creativity. Though I calculate that over the past twelve months I have slept in twenty-five beds, not once did I fear that I would have no shelter. Nor do I fear it now. Why, just this week, more monthlong house-sitting invitations—and new creative ideas to pursue—have come my way!
Though to the casual observer, both the inchworm and I may appear to live high-risk, insecure lives, we know better. God’s boundless grace supports us every moment.
