Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Little Miracles

The 4-stage life cycle of a butterfly is so strangely wonderful. From a tiny egg, to a caterpillar, then a chrysalis, and finally a beautiful winged creature; it's a tiny little miracle that we can not only enjoy, but take life lessons from.

I'm sure you've all heard the story of the little boy who felt compelled to ease the struggling of his pet butterfly as it fought to emerge from its chrysalis. Taking scissors, the little boy carefully cut a larger opening so the butterfly would have an easier time. While the butterfly made it out of the cocoon with ease, it was never able to fly, its wings shriveled and dry. Struggling against the cocoon would have strengthened its wings, preparing it for flight, thereby reaching its full potential.
Pipevine swallowtail



Quote by R. H. Heinlein
Sometimes it's hard to watch others struggling through life, and to experience struggles ourselves, but those struggles are the very thing needed for growth. Oftentimes I regret certain mistakes I've made, but if I hadn't made those mistakes, I wouldn't be the person I am today. And while I'm still fighting battles, I'm better than I was even five years ago. It's a process I'd like to hurry up and get over with, yet none of us will ever be free of the process if we want to improve.

Today I'm thankful for the wonders of life and all the lessons I've learned. Once I reach the stage of forgiving myself for past mistakes, I think the transformation will be almost complete. Heaven is where I hope to realize the final phase.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

dIT IS GENIETEN WAT HEB JE DIT HEEL MOOI GESCHREVEN EN WAT EEN GEWELDIG MOOIE FOTO,S

Pallavi said...

Oh Gail! These pictures so beautiful.. Love the vivid and vibrant colors. You, dear friend are truly an artist :)

Brian King said...

Beautifully detailed photos! I like the blue on this guy! Not a color I typically see on the butterflies here.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Gail!

Anonymous said...

these photos are absolutely wonderful & you know that I feel you hun. We just have no choice but to embrace the process, hopefully learn from it and move forward. Something I've been struggling with...but again...it's all part of the process. As much as we like, we can't hurry it along...time is the key! Butterflies are a perfect symbol of that. Big hugs, xoxo

Willow said...

i love the details of the butterfly up close and personal in all its' glory.
Your message brought the quote " Life is a journey, not a destination." to mind.
Blessings to you my friend .
I hope your Thanksgiving is peaceful and full of love.
Be Well.
Willow

Waldameise Andrea said...

Wow, so beautiful butterflies I have ever seen. What colors as. From a fairy tale.

Evening Greetings
Waldameise

Amy Burzese said...

Beautiful creatures, Gail, and thank you for sharing them with us. I suppose we must be thankful for our battles along with everything else. Here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving for you and your family.

TexWisGirl said...

beautiful, gail. i hate the hard lessons. :)

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Beautiful photos! You're captured the delicate strength of the butterfly perfectly. You're right. The life cycle of the butterfly teaches us so much about our own lives. Sometimes the struggles seem more than we can bear, but they do make us stronger. In hindsight, I can see that.

Karen said...

Jaw dropping photos Gail!

Rosie Grey said...

These photos are so beautiful and your words were just what I needed today, Gail! I didn't know that story, btw, so thanks so much for sharing it!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

hootnonny said...

Wonderful images and analogy, Gail. Guess that's why the young won't learn from the old, no matter how we try to get them to "see"...they've got to have that struggle themselves!

Evelyn S. said...

Totally amazing photos again, Gail!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Ruth Hiebert said...

This is a wonderful post. The pictures,of course are lovely,as always,but it is the words which carry so much weight.Thank-you for sharing these thoughts.

Bill said...

Beautiful photos and spot on commentary on the trials of life!

EG CameraGirl said...

WOW! Beautiful shots of the butterfly!

Ah, Gail. I too am struggling. Some days are easier than others, but I am forever making mistakes and trying to be better.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Gail.

Lately, my oldest granddaughter has been struggling and I worry about her. Dianne

eileeninmd said...

Gorgeous butterfly images, Gail! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Oh Gail, your butterfly images are stunning, you captured the beauty perfectly:)

Anonymous said...

Have a Happy Thanksgiving :)

Shug said...

Much to learn from that story...
I've been guilty of stepping into the middle of something, before God had finished some life lessons for others. We must always wait on God's perfect timing...
This butterfly is absolutely gorgeous! The colors are truly rich!
Hope you all have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
Hugs,

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Yes, I've heard that story before, and it comes to mind often in various situations. Your photos of this butterfly are so gorgeous! and I love the quote on the one picture, about butterflies being self-propelled flowers. Such an apt description.

Indrani said...

Very inspiring post, it is our struggles that makes what we are. And our mistakes teach us to be better. You have used wonderful pictures to convey this. what a great post.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Beautiful shots Gail, and oh boy do I have trouble with those hard lessons! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hilary said...

Lovely post and oh so true, Gail. Your images are just stunning as always.

Unknown said...

Gail, Wow, what a beauty! Great shots! 🐛🐛

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Such lovely pictures and even lovelier metaphor in your words. When I was young I used to think it would be good to be old because I wouldn't have any problems or decisions. (Ha!!!). I guess the gray areas and the questions never go away.

Our photos said...

WoW! What a beautiful butterfly!

Unknown said...

Incredible images of that beautiful butterfly!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots, Gail!

Donna said...

I was just saying this today to my husband...if it had not been for the failures and mistakes in my life I would not be the person I am today...I am doing pretty good forgiving myself these days.