What do you see?

I am learning more and more since Kens passing that I see things differently than you and you probably see things differently than me. Much of what I see is processed through a brain that has experienced life and gained an understanding or perception of a vast number of things.

Today I felt compelled to just write share something simple or whatever God would place on my path today. And here it was walking with my friend and Kippy I saw this butterfly. And with it the question to ask what do you see?

What I see in this delicate butterfly is a creation that is exquisite, intricate, beautiful and intentional. I paused to take a picture and then off the butterfly flew to gather nectar or do whatever butterflies do on a warm fall afternoon. It’s intention to keep moving, each part of its being working together to search, find and restore its life source of nourishment all the while able to fly away at any hint of danger. Each part of its form and function carefully and skillfully created and crafted by our creator. And for just a moment providing me with a glimpse of beauty and grace.

But as we know this butterfly did not begin its life so gracefully where as a crawling caterpillar, then isolated chrysalis it was crawling then suspending from a branch. All the while awaiting that miraculous moment when over the course of what would seem forever to me, it would writh , squirm and push blood into its wings preparing for the tearing away from its cocoon. Exploding with vibrant color and the new ability to fly, this creature would begin a very new and different life. Now gracefully floating above where it once crawled. But were we to intervene and cut open the cocoon in an effort to help, without the struggle to escape its cocoon the butterfly would lie lifeless and die in a pile of matter not at all resembling a butterfly. It’s life would end before it could fly.

What I see in this butterfly today reminds me of how carefully and lovingly God has created me and allows me to grow through each season of my life. As I have been covered and sheltered through a new and difficult season of grief I was not ready to emerge and fly. It has taken time, effort, growth and faith to prepare me for this season in my life. A season where I am learning to fly solo as it were ever mindful of how valuable and necessary the time of quiet and introspection have been.

Thank you God for sharing this precious Butterly with me today and the reminder that you are with me always.

So now it’s your turn. What do you see in this Butterly picture?

Thank you for sharing a moment with me today. May God bless and encourage you in what you see.