For some unknown reason, I’m awake at 3:30 am and thinking about what it takes to become a butterfly. I love to watch butterflies. They are so graceful as they flutter in the air. They are truly one of God’s most beautiful creations, but do you remember how they start out in the beginning? They start as an egg, which hatches into a caterpillar. Remember the story of “The Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle? The caterpillar eats leaves, flowers – basically everything it can because it is so hungry. It grows fast during this feeding frenzy time – so fast that it sheds it’s skin multiple times. When it’s done growing, it makes a cocoon and rests. Then, comes the hard part – the struggle to break out of that cocoon as a beautiful butterfly!
I believe that there are lessons we can learn from the life cycle of a butterfly. We all start out small, but we’re not meant to stay that way. We are meant to go from “milk” to “strong meat.” We are to study and learn how to live our lives in such a way that heaven will be our eternal home. The Hebrew writer explained, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” Hebrews 5:14.
Another lesson gleaned from the life cycle of a butterfly is the importance of resting. I’ll be honest – the older I get, the more I appreciate naps! You can only “do” so much for so long. Sooner or later, God will put you on your back, so that you have to look up! We must take care of ourselves first, in order to be of service to someone else.
Have you ever thought about comparing being in the cocoon with being in the church? It is a place where you can find rest and comfort. It is a place where you can gain the wisdom and strength that you’ll need in order to “make it,” in the world. Paul told the Roman Christians, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). We are to be “in the world,” but not “of the world” (John 17:14-16). As we study and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” (II Peter 3:18), I am so thankful to be surrounded by Godly men and women who are examples of faith and who are willing to pray for me and with me that I may endure the struggles of this world and emerge a “new creature” (II Corinthians 5:17). May “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Simply blessed, Courtney