During the Easter season the women at our former church would hang sewn butterflies in the narthex as a visual reminder of new life. Butterflies are some of my favorite creatures because of their beauty, individuality, fragility, and miraculous life cycle. I can't help but think of the Creator each time I see delicate wings flit by.
For her birthday, Pie was gifted with a butterfly garden (by Insect Lore) and we sent away for the caterpillars just before Easter. What better way to teach the lessons of Spring than to let our children watch old life transform into new. What better way to heal our hearts from our family's recent loss.
Watching the caterpillars eat and grow...
Watching them form chrysalids...
Gently moving them from their cup to their netted habitat...
Patiently waiting for them to emerge...
We came home this evening to a wonderful surprise. In the quiet of our absence, two of the butterflies emerged. There was an air of wonder and amazement among the littles. Why is there red on the paper holding the cocoons? Where did they go? What happened to the other three? Ahhh. Curiosity. Questions. A wise rabbi recently encouraged my children to "Ask good questions!" This is how we learn, he said.
I'm thankful today for questions, for learning and for new life. Thankful for these gifts today and every day.
Wow, what a wonderful experience for you and your children. Grandma is actually a little jealous. I'm glad to know that even Pie's outbursts can't interrupt the cycle of life. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI love this so so much. Such a creative way to help your children understand the cycle of life! I am putting this in my back pocket for when Mr. Pants is ready for it! Thank you for this idea, mama!
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