Butterflies

Butterflies are a perfect example of pure potentiality and the connection came to me today in an interaction with a student.  

I attended chapel this afternoon because the student speaking at today's chapel specifically invited me.  I don't typically go to chapel.  She talked about her walk with God and the times she has walked away from God.  She talked about the suitcases (one of tools and skills and one of care and compassion) that she will take with her when she leaves our campus after graduation this May.

She also talked about her obsession with butterflies.  She shared that most of her friends don't know the reason behind her obsession which had little to do with the traditional symbolism of new life and resurrection.  For her, butterflies are the flutter in your stomach when you take risks.  They are the adrenaline and energy that moves you out of one comfort zone and into the next.  She loves them because together they give flight to our ambition and dreams.

I couldn't help but think about how butterflies are constantly changing and each unique in their development and potential.  From caterpillar to cocoon to winged beauty, their stage and transformation is amazing.  Pure potentiality is about change.  It is about the nervous energy that moves us to places and to become people we could never have imagined.  And once we arrive, we move on to our next potential - from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly...

Butterflies are quiet and reflective.  Have you ever spent time with the butterflies in the botanical gardens?  I recall a few years back when I visited the botanical gardens after a batch of butterflies hatched.  In this moment, lookers on are hushed in amazement, just watching, awe-filled.  A bit like meditation!

Please enjoy a few of the butterflies from our home.  May they remind you to spend a moment in quiet to consider change and transformation in your life.