The caterpillar,
interesting but not exactly lovely,
humped along among the parsley leaves
eating, always eating. Then
one night it was gone and in its place
a small green confinement hung by two silk threads
on a parsley stem. I think it took nothing with it
except faith, and patience. And then one morning
it expressed itself into the most beautiful being.
~ Mary Oliver
When we choose to learn the lesson, waiting teaches faith and patience. As my husband and I settle into our long-awaited new home in the woods, this poem takes on a deeper meaning. I can recall so many instances of "caterpillar life" in new circumstances requiring a new expression. Some of those circumstances were particularly harsh and very unwelcome intrusions. Some, like this move, carried their own form of harshness in all of the upheaval and change but were welcome at the same time. Transition is a process of releasing what is known and comfortable and trusting that new life is on the horizon - always beginning again.
For some interesting tidbits about this metamorphosis (and the source of the above image), and to view a time lapse slideshow of the birth of a swallowtail butterfly visit
If this image speaks to you, I invite you to take a few minutes to wonder how the life stages of the black swallowtail may have something to say about your life stages. There are seasons of life where it seems I am crawling, hanging, or anticipating flight for a painfully long time. Recalling an image like this reminds me that the one place in which I feel stuck is not all there is. Something else is coming. If I can hold onto faith and patience rather than trying to take control, God will bring the new thing at just the right time. It may not be what I expected. It is not always I wanted. But, God is good and will help me to fly within that new place.
As you look at these web images and reflect on the words of Mary Oliver, what most resonates with you?
As you look at these web images and reflect on the words of Mary Oliver, what most resonates with you?
~ "munching" along at a very slow pace feeling somewhat unlovely; or
~ dangling from a barely present thread as your old home breaks open wondering "when, if, how …"; or
~ acknowledging the place you are in and embarking on a new way of being fully present in that life.
If you would like to share your own experience for the benefit of others, post your thoughts below.
If you would like to share your own experience for the benefit of others, post your thoughts below.
No comments:
Post a Comment