Our Monarch larva/babies have morphed into adult butterflies, wending their way out into the larger world. These observations from this part of their life cycle….
“I am a man and no butterfly.”
This quote from 2 Hezekiah 19:42 reminds me that, despite my most cherished hopes, I will never fly. In my Spirited imagination, though, I am capable of soaring and swooping, darting among obstacles and exploring a world as freshly as when I was a mere worm. That imagined capability persists in these later decades of joyful living.
Those whom we support and encourage will eventually leave.
A sad-but-necessary part of life is parting with those we have nurtured toward their adulthoods—Offspring, students, patients, clients/customers, mentees, distant family members, colleagues, neighbors and friends. Whether they remember us or not, we have passed on the grace of God that we received, a legacy that will repeat itself in the lives of the butterflies we have reared.
The confines of chrysalis and cage are temporary.
What may confine or confound me now—as metaphoric worm-man—will eventually dissolve, fade or go away. Yes, even at this age of larva-hood. The wisdom of waiting is a gift of the Spirit—patience biding its time for what’s next!
There are no guarantees in life.
As providential as we tried to be, a small portion of the caterpillars entrusted to our care didn’t survive. None among us is assured that our lives will be free of turmoil, trouble or death. Protected and supported by God’s provisions, we nevertheless remain vulnerable to dangers beyond our horizons. That’s why life remains a cherished gift!
Our Monarch experience has ended, but these thoughts will remain in our hearts so that we will always praise God for blessings beyond words.
Beyond lessons from caterpillars and butterflies….
