Hope Wednesday, November 15, 2006
To me, the butterfly is a symbol of hope.
It is hope in life eternal. From clunky caterpillar to soaring butterfly, this creature is unrecognizable in its second life. Where it once was so limited - crawling slowly from leaf to leaf - it now has broken free of all its restraints as it flies from flower to flower. No more leaves for the butterfly - it’s on to the sweetness of nectar.
It is hope in life after crisis. We are caterpillars who experience pain and sadness on this earth. When life is very tragic, we often wrap ourselves up in our own cocoon, needing time before we can emerge to the world again. But when we do emerge, it is as a new person. There is hope amidst sadness that our spirits will be light again.
It is hope that you can rise above your circumstances. Been put down by people? Feeling worthless? You don’t have to stay a caterpillar. You can shed that old self and become a new person. A person who flies above the cares of this world and breaks free of their past. A person who is dressed for a party!
So, if you are facing difficulties in life, think on the butterfly. Hope in the future. Take your time, and when you are ready to emerge, spread your wings and fly!