Our family enjoyed a beautiful moment outdoors today when we witnessed the Annual Butterfly Release hosted by Home Hospice of West Texas. We watched in wonder as hundreds of Painted Lady Butterflies flittered silently on petal light wings. In a sort of otherworldly moment they changed the landscape, creating a glimmering effect around us as the light was alternately reflected and then obscured by their gentle flapping motion. You would think there would be a sound or a draft of some kind. Instead there is this incredible quiet, a stillness, a slowing of time, and a teary eyed feeling of joy that something so fragile can rise to such heights. It provokes those thoughts of alternately wishing them happiness in their newfound homeward breeze, and wishing that they would return to light upon your nose.
The parabolic nature of letting go of a butterfly becomes so clear when it is done in the context of saying good-bye to a loved one. Imagine such a reality; that an earthbound creature can meet with such an indescribably amazing transformation! One quiet, powerful change and no longer do they crawl. Now they lift from the soil to dance in the sky! What wonder! What joy! What grace!
I'm praying with all of my heart that the sweetness of their transformation will permeate my mindset as I watch my little caterpillars. May they feed well upon those truthful leafy greens, rest in the chrysalis of Jesus' death and raise to new life with the winged, upward gaze of one who is truly free!
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