To Be a Butterfly
“On the day I called, God answered me,
increasing my strength of soul.”
--Psalm 138:3
I hope everyone had a great holiday season and that you are ready for the challenges and joys of the New Year, 2010.
One of the wonderful books we have in the chaplaincy library is Trina Paulus’ book, Hope for the Flowers. This engaging book talks about the life journey of caterpillars. As we begin this New Year, it feels like the word “Hope” is particularly important. Let’s listen in on a part of a conversation two of the caterpillars are having and then consider how it might apply to the living of 2010:
“It can’t be true!” gasped Yellow (one of the caterpillars). How can I believe there’s a butterfly inside you or me when all I see is a fuzzy worm?” “How does one become a butterfly?” she asked pensively.
“You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” (The reply from the other caterpillar in their cocoon)
There is a tremendous insight here. May the year of 2010 be a tremendous butterfly year for each of us.
A prayer for the year 2010: God of refreshing possibilities, help me to give up what needs to be so that I can be a butterfly this year. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.04.10
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1 comment:
Dear Ben,
I love your daily devotion for today. I work with Trina Paulus, in fact, I am typing this from her home. I expect her back tomorrow from her Christmas/New Year's visit to her family in Ohio which included her mother's 100th birthday celebration. I often feel as though symbolically, Trina is the older caterpillar in the scenario you referenced and I am following her instruction to "try for butterfly". Yes, I think this is the year for lots of butterflies! The world definitely needs it. I will be sure to share your blog with Trina when she returns and please do keep up with Trina on her website:
www.hopefortheflowers.org or facebook fan page which is listed as "Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus"
All the best to you in 2010!
In hope always,
Una
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