June 25
But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. 1 Corinthians 15:46
Some time ago, we visited a butterfly showplace. In this lush green, tropical-like environment, perfectly located foliage, ponds and nectar were placed for the conservation and development of these lovely creatures. We were free to carefully stroll through and enjoy a myriad of butterflies of all colors shapes and sizes, all gently fluttering about this way and that in every direction we looked, showing off their breathtaking beauty to us. To our amazement some even landing right in our hands!
How the life cycle of butterflies reminds me of the development of our spirit and character! Growth starts so slowly, something like the beginning stage of a butterfly – a little caterpillar inching its way along, looking nothing like its final appearance! We too evolve from one stage to another! We crawl through a lot of muck and mire, over one obstacle or another on that journey for the “food” that nourishes us. And like a hungry caterpillar we greedily devour what is there in front of us, knowing we need what is necessary to grow, yet at the same time sometimes finding “food” that causes more harm to us! And larger we get! Then something happens. Unexpected problems and unforeseen challenges get in our way, resulting in the development of a hardened exterior for some of us from those negative situations we endure. And as thoughts become more negative the shell becomes a bit thicker and our fear of facing any further difficulty on our path grows. And the shell hardens. While the caterpillar’s cocoon is hardening as it prepares for its final cycle in life, it knows to rest; but we usually don’t. We plow through, our tough exterior affecting everyone and everything around us. And we hide in a cocoon of self-absorption. Only when we can discard that hard shell of negativity, are we capable of opening up to the world and allow our spirit to fill with the beauty that incorporates all the good things that our God has given us in this life.
Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, we go forward in this ever changing life and display to the world a varied hue of brilliant color, intensified by our life experiences - good and negative, and reflecting the beauty of our spirit and character. With awareness that each person and experience holds a unique part in that development and learning, we fly forward, sometimes gently fluttering about, or stopping here and there to rest. Resembling a butterfly slowly unraveling its wings as it dries out after emerging from its cocoon, our spiritual life – a precious gift from God that we have the privilege of witnessing – is unwrapped little by little, day by precious day, until we become ready for that appearance before Him, which much to our own amazement and delight, is breathtaking!
Lord, help us to be patient as we journey toward you, and to keep in mind that we are slowly being transformed until its time to be with you again.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. 1 Corinthians 15:46
Some time ago, we visited a butterfly showplace. In this lush green, tropical-like environment, perfectly located foliage, ponds and nectar were placed for the conservation and development of these lovely creatures. We were free to carefully stroll through and enjoy a myriad of butterflies of all colors shapes and sizes, all gently fluttering about this way and that in every direction we looked, showing off their breathtaking beauty to us. To our amazement some even landing right in our hands!
How the life cycle of butterflies reminds me of the development of our spirit and character! Growth starts so slowly, something like the beginning stage of a butterfly – a little caterpillar inching its way along, looking nothing like its final appearance! We too evolve from one stage to another! We crawl through a lot of muck and mire, over one obstacle or another on that journey for the “food” that nourishes us. And like a hungry caterpillar we greedily devour what is there in front of us, knowing we need what is necessary to grow, yet at the same time sometimes finding “food” that causes more harm to us! And larger we get! Then something happens. Unexpected problems and unforeseen challenges get in our way, resulting in the development of a hardened exterior for some of us from those negative situations we endure. And as thoughts become more negative the shell becomes a bit thicker and our fear of facing any further difficulty on our path grows. And the shell hardens. While the caterpillar’s cocoon is hardening as it prepares for its final cycle in life, it knows to rest; but we usually don’t. We plow through, our tough exterior affecting everyone and everything around us. And we hide in a cocoon of self-absorption. Only when we can discard that hard shell of negativity, are we capable of opening up to the world and allow our spirit to fill with the beauty that incorporates all the good things that our God has given us in this life.
Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, we go forward in this ever changing life and display to the world a varied hue of brilliant color, intensified by our life experiences - good and negative, and reflecting the beauty of our spirit and character. With awareness that each person and experience holds a unique part in that development and learning, we fly forward, sometimes gently fluttering about, or stopping here and there to rest. Resembling a butterfly slowly unraveling its wings as it dries out after emerging from its cocoon, our spiritual life – a precious gift from God that we have the privilege of witnessing – is unwrapped little by little, day by precious day, until we become ready for that appearance before Him, which much to our own amazement and delight, is breathtaking!
Lord, help us to be patient as we journey toward you, and to keep in mind that we are slowly being transformed until its time to be with you again.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson