Butterflies

Today is a very special day for families in the U.S. Today is “el día de acción de gracias¨ or a day to give thanks. There is a story about Pilgrims and Native Americans that apparently started the tradition and here we are centuries later still going. While it´s great to set a day aside to “remember” to be thankful, it is my hope that we make a daily practice of expressing our gratitude every day for life, health, family, friends, food, clothing, shelter and a million other things that God has allowed to be present in our lives. Gratefulness – not entitlement should be the order of the day – 365 days of the year.

Today, I was inspired by a t.v. show (yes, a t.v. show) that shall remain nameless. The writers used the metaphor of butterflies and how it is God’s proof that second chances exist. While I agree, butterflies are a symbol of so much more. They are beautiful by almost anyone’s standards, but they did not start that way.

Butterflies started off as worms – yes, caterpillars are worms. They crawl on the ground, searching for food and are at the mercy of numerous predators. Their vibrant colors provide some protection, and after some time, they stop feeding and start to morph. They become dormant, immobile and “rest” in a hard shell while they are morphing. They are actually are quite ugly during this metamorphosis. Finally the changes on the inside start affecting the outside, and they “hatch.” They break through the rough exterior and emerge as gorgeous butterflies, and live a full, life (sometimes a week or a year depending on the species) blessing us humans with their beauty.

Why am I talking about butterflies? I thank God for His butterflies. Their journey from “wormdom” to being the most beautiful flying insect is an example of the change God can work inside of us. He can give us an entirely new life – make a new creation if we would just do what we were born to do, and let Him have His way inside of us. The change will eventually reflect on the outside, and we will bless the world with the beauty He has created. I am grateful that there are second chances with God! :^) THANK YOU, Lord!!!