Our day was peaceful and serene from beginning to end. This resort where we are staying feels like a hidden gem, a tranquil haven far from the centre of Coffs Harbour. It’s not crowded at all, which is just the way we like it. The calm atmosphere envelops us, making it the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with God, with nature, ourselves and with each other.

We started our day with a morning stroll on the beach, just behind our Airbnb. The soft, golden sand beneath our feet and the gentle waves lapping at the shore set a soothing rhythm for our walk. The salty sea breeze was refreshing, carrying with it the faint cries of seagulls and the distant laughter of others enjoying the beach. We walked for a while, soaking in the beauty of the ocean.

After our beach walk, we drove to the historic Coffs Harbour Jetty, a true icon of this charming town. Opened in 1892, the jetty is a rare surviving example of a wooden ocean jetty, standing proud and resilient against the test of time. Stretching out 975 metres into the sea, the jetty offers a spectacular view of the breakwater and marina.

Standing at the end of the jetty, we took a moment to appreciate the stunning panorama around us. The marina was dotted with boats, their masts swaying gently in the breeze, while the breakwater provided a dramatic backdrop of rugged rocks against the serene sea. The history of the jetty seemed to whisper from its timbers, telling tales of the past and the many who have walked its length before us.

The jetty is indeed an icon for Coffs Harbour, a place where history and natural beauty intertwine. The rest of the day continued in this peaceful rhythm, each moment a reminder of the tranquility and beauty that surrounded us.

In the afternoon, I wandered through a butterfly house, a sanctuary of delicate wings and vibrant colours. As I stepped inside, the air seemed to shimmer with the gentle flutter of countless butterflies, each one a living jewel in a garden of dreams. Their movement was a dance of joy and freedom, a testament to the transient beauty of life.

(Orange Lacewing, male)

As I watched these graceful creatures, I couldn’t help but feel that they were speaking to me about happiness and the importance of living in the moment. Butterflies, with their short lives, embody a profound lesson: they live fully, embracing each moment with a vibrancy that is contagious. Their purpose, it seemed to me, was not just to survive but to thrive, to bring beauty and joy to the world around them.

(Orchard Swallowtail, female)

In the butterfly house, I observed their playful flight, from one flower to another, never lingering too long in any one place. It was hard to capture them in a photo, their constant motion a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Yet, every now and then, a butterfly would pause, almost as if to say, “Go on then, take a photo now.” These moments felt like little gifts, a chance to hold onto the beauty of the present before it fluttered away again.

(Cairns Birdwing, female)

As I strolled through this enchanting space, my thoughts drifted to the people who have been important parts of my life, those who have now passed beyond the veil. Much like the butterflies, they brought beauty and joy into my life, their presence a precious, fleeting gift. Though they are no longer here, their memory remains, a source of comfort and inspiration. Until I join them on the other side, I will miss them.

(Orange Lacewing, female)

Butterflies are here today and gone tomorrow, but in their brief existence, they remind us to cherish the present and find happiness in the moment. Their purpose, perhaps, is both to be happy and to make others happy, to spread beauty and joy in the short time they have.

Walking through the butterfly house, surrounded by these fleeting beings, I felt a deep sense of connection to the cycle of life, to the joy and sorrow that intertwine in our existence.

(Varied Eggfly, male)

In their delicate wings, I saw a reflection of my own life and the lives of those I love. We, too, are here for but a moment, our time on this earth a fleeting blink in the grand scheme of things. Yet, like the butterflies, we have the power to fill our lives with beauty, to bring joy to others, and to live each day to the fullest. If only I would remember to live life with the same grace and vibrancy as the butterflies that had inspired me today.

(Varied Eggfly, female)

As I strolled along the beach, explored the historic jetty, admired the butterflies at the butterfly house, and enjoyed a cup of chai outside with Peter, my mind has been brimming with creativity.

This resort, with its peaceful ambiance and beautiful surroundings, had provided us with exactly what we needed—a serene escape from the world, a place to simply be.

It feels as if it has awakened me from a deep slumber. When life is busy and demanding, our minds often aren’t free to be creative. But in the midst of such serenity and natural beauty, my creativity has taken flight, given wings by the peaceful surroundings. I feel that my heart is free to delve into its deepest thoughts and find expression for them.

In the quiet moments when we pause to truly see, nature reveals its profound symphony. It is in the rustling leaves, the gentle sway of branches, the whispering winds, and the soft caress of sunlight filtering through a canopy of trees that we feel the heartbeat of God’s creation. Each colour, each form, a delicate brushstroke on the grand canvas of existence, reflecting the hand of a loving Creator who paints with boundless imagination and tender care.

This vast beauty is mirrored within us, our souls like deep, clear fountains reflecting the infinite sky above. From this sacred wellspring, our artistic expressions flow, each creation a testament to the divine spark that dwells within. The world outside and the world within are one, intertwined in a dance of light and shadow, form and essence.

To stop and reflect, to breathe deeply, is to connect these worlds. In these moments of stillness, the dots join, forming a picture of understanding and unity. We see how the grandeur of mountains, the tranquillity of lakes, the vibrant hues of a sunset, and the delicate petals of a flower are all expressions of the same loving force that shapes our innermost being. This force is God’s loving presence, guiding and inspiring us.

(Red Lacewing)

Resting in the embrace of nature is a balm for the soul. It soothes our wounds, calms our minds, and brings us back to a place of wholeness. In the silence, we hear the gentle whispers of divine wisdom and love, reminding us of our place in the tapestry of life. We are part of this magnificent creation, both its witness and its expression.

In the beauty of nature, we find a mirror to our own soul. In its power, we recognise our own smallness. In its gentleness, we find our peace. And from this profound connection, we draw the inspiration to create, to love, and to live fully, embracing the divine artistry that flows through us all.

(Ulysses, female)

For me, this connection finds its most profound expression in creative writing. It is through the written word that I channel the beauty and wisdom I perceive in God’s creation. Each story, each reflection is a tribute to the divine spark within me. Creative writing is the art form through which I feel called to express myself, a means to share the wonders of God’s love and the intricate beauty of His creation with others.

Through writing, I strive to capture the essence of these divine moments, to translate the whispers of the wind and the colours of the sky into words that touch the soul. It is my passion, part of my purpose, my way of reflecting the Creator’s love and artistry. In every sentence, I seek to mirror the depth and richness of the world around me, to inspire and uplift, and to remind us all of the profound connection we share with the divine.