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.