This month, the time immediately following the Resurrection, we’ll declare it the Butterfly season. Why Butterflies? First, they are symbols of tremendous change in a short time frame. A butterfly’s life spans the course of about a month, which means there’s little time to be idle. There is, of course, also the “butterfly effect” where it’s believed that if one flaps its wing, a hurricane could be created. Let us be inspired to live a new life this month, during the Butterfly Season.
Children are fearless. They are willing to take a risk, oblivious to the limitations their size, knowledge or financial obligations places on them. They are quick to run and jump off a ledge or commit to an opportunity without thinking it through fully. This seems reckless, but the truth of the matter is that children are less likely to doubt themselves when a new situation arises. There are no caves to dangerous to explore; matter of fact, children will create one, even if with a blanket, just to have the experience.
When it is time for the metamorphosis, a caterpillar makes a small patch of silk to start the cocoon, then sheds their outer skin to make the chrysalis. Up to now, caterpillars constantly shed to accommodate their new bodies and the growth that occurs, which means they are constantly moving. The cocoon is a place where they must remain still. They are unprotected on their surface, truly vulnerable, so they conceal the location, for even the potential is beautiful. Some can make vibrations or rely on the company of other animals and insects to protect them, partnering to ensure the strength of the journey.
Many of us fear the cocoon stage of our lives even though we are all called through it. The inside of the cocoon is dark, isolating, and uncertain. We wonder, what will we find in the space? What if the cocoon breaks or collapses? We will probably protest because we always want the sunshine in our lives. Truth of the matter is that we need this space to experience the pressure and the hide away. We can not grow to our full beauty in the open wide audience, for then we will shape and mold ourselves in their image. Into the cocoon we must retreat if we’re ever to know who we are.
The cocoon requires full and total trust in God. This trust melts away the concern and, after a while, we get comfortable and learn to recognize the many ways the Lord is presented to us. “Ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will feel no evil for though art with me” (Psalm 23:4). Going into a cocoon strengthens and gives us the ability to grow in an uneasy place. We have no idea how we will come out, but it makes us like children all over again, vulnerable but ignorant to the weight of the impossible. For now, while in the cocoon, let us bask in the beauty of our potential and rediscover the adventure of learning our abilities.
Amina S. McIntyre
Consider making the space to retreat - it could be over a quiet lunch, at a friend’s house, or even on a small trip away from everything; let's take time to remind ourselves of the gifts we have.
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