The “bug in a rug” expression is believed to date back to 1769 and comes from the image of a moth larva resting happily inside a rolled-up rug.
When applied to the mundane activities of life with its unexpected twists, turns, and temptations that distract us from being who the Lord wants us to be, and doing what he wants us to do, it can feel like we are not a very comfortable “bug in a rug.”
Looking at God's Artistry
Let’s look at this expression from a different angle. Consider the rug. Better yet, let’s think of it as a fine tapestry, an image more appropriate for the magnificent artistry God has demonstrated in creation.
Watch for God’s golden strands of involvement.
I’m sure there have been many sermons preached comparing our lives to a tapestry. One way of looking at this image is to stand back from the tapestry and see the overall fine beauty of life with all its magnificent designs and colors.
This is God’s perspective, and only God’s as the artistic creator and sustainer of our lives, with its rich colors and hues.
Taking Another View
Another approach is to look at the back of the tapestry. From this view, as disorganized and tangled as it might appear, we can appreciate the handiwork that went into the tapestry’s creation. This is seeing God as the craftsman.
Still Another View
The third way of looking at tapestry is from our everyday perspective, being that “bug in a rug” amidst all the strands of fiber. We need to pause and look around us.
We need to watch for God’s golden strands of involvement through the working of the Holy Spirit in our past, and as we go about our daily lives. It’s easier to see these in retrospect when we’re not navigating around the fibers of our daily lives.
When looking at them in the past, we can come closer to seeing what is going on in our life, and how God is working from his overall perspective, and appreciate his artistry in the details, bringing people and events into our lives.
Pay Attention to Your Dreams
Take time for solitude and some form of meditation. This will allow you opportunities to look for themes and ways God moved in your life, weaving people and events into your life. God will bring them to your mind.
Pay attention to your dreams. Your dreams are a collection of past, present and perhaps even future experiences. The Bible has many examples of dreams and how God communicates through them.
Look for God's Golden Strands
Finally, look back on your life occasionally and write a short story about certain experiences. Don't worry about grammar or spelling. Just let the creative juices flow. Make up your mind you will learn from the past, even though the lessons may be painful.
Sometimes God's golden strands reflect pain and suffering. These strands can often be the most valuable.
Additional reading:
Listen to God’s Words
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Also read: Psalm 19:1-4, Isaiah 14:27, 1 Samuel 12:16
In the Words of Others
“Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.” Denis Waitley
“If you spend your life over analyzing every encounter you will always see the tree, but never the forest.” Shannon L. Alder
Think About It
Do you have a diary or journal? If you do, how often do you review it? Describe any themes you found and ways God moved in your life, bringing people and events in and out of your life.
Have you found times for solitude and some form of meditation? Again, describe ways these times have helped you discover ways God moved in your life.
Have you paid attention to your dreams? How have they been a collection of your experiences? Write a short narrative describing one or two such dreams.
