Hold On for Dear Life: A Windshield Lesson from God

By Coach Lori Lopez – Seeing Stars

Some of the sweetest encounters with God don’t happen in a church pew or during a formal prayer session. They often happen in the middle of ordinary life—in the school pick-up line, folding laundry, or even driving to pick up pizza with your kids.

Today, my daughter and I made a simple lunch run to Pizza Hut. Nothing unusual. Just a routine mom moment… until God decided to meet us on our windshield.

The Bug on the Windshield

As we pulled away from the restaurant, my daughter leaned forward and said,“Mom, I can’t stop staring at that bug on the windshield! What kind of bug is it?”

I squinted and said,“Hmm… I’m not sure. Maybe a stink bug?”

She wrinkled her nose.“Eww. What’s a stink bug?”

I explained, but then I felt a nudge in my spirit. I’ve learned that sometimes when something small captures your attention, the Holy Spirit is inviting you to notice the deeper meaning.

I told her,“You know, sometimes God uses moments like this to speak to us. He’ll draw our attention to something ordinary to teach us something extraordinary.”

Her eyes widened.“Do you think He’s speaking to us now?”

“Let’s find out,” I said. “Let’s treat it like one of our dreams. We’ll talk it out, and the Lord will begin to give us understanding.”

Talking It Out Like a Dream

We began to describe what we saw:

• A little bug clinging to the windshield for dear life as our car sped down the road.

• Green light after green light—no chance for the bug to rest.

• Finally, we slowed at a red light. The bug began to flutter its wings.

• We leaned closer and realized it wasn’t a stink bug at all—it was a beautiful ladybug.

• After resting for a moment, the ladybug spread its wings and flew into the open sky.

I smiled and told my daughter,“Now, let’s listen. What do you feel God is saying?”

The Lesson in the Ladybug

As we reflected, the interpretation became clear:

In life, we often find ourselves clinging to survive, moving from one green light to the next, never pausing long enough to catch our breath or spread our wings.

We may feel overlooked, mislabeled, or misunderstood—like the ladybug mistaken for a stink bug. But when we pause in God’s presence, He begins to reveal our true identity.

At the right moment, the Lord says:“Daughter, Son… you are not what the world calls you. You are Mine. You are beautifully made. And in My timing, I will give you the freedom to soar.”

Just like the ladybug, we are meant to rest, unfold, and rise in His strength—not cling in fear, but fly in freedom.

Recognizing God in Everyday Moments

This is one of the most exciting ways God speaks: through the ordinary.

The Bible reminds us:

• “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

• “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” – Isaiah 40:31

• “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” – Matthew 13:9

The next time something captures your attention—a bird, a song, a child’s simple question—pause. Ask the Lord,“Are You speaking to me here?”

He delights in teaching His children through both Scripture and the subtle whispers in everyday life.

Takeaway for Moms, Teachers, and Caregivers

Friend, if you’re in a season where you feel like that bug on the windshield—just holding on for dear life—let this story remind you:

• God sees you.

• He knows your struggle.

• He is inviting you to pause in His presence so He can reveal your true identity and give you the strength to soar.

Take a moment today. Breathe. Open your Bible. Whisper a prayer. And let Him turn your clinging into flying.