The other day I witnessed a butterfly struggle to find its way out of a window as I finished my pre-show warmup on the rehearsal stage in the basement of my theater. I could only watch the struggle, as the ceiling-high window was well out of my reach to help it escape. The butterfly continually charged at the glass reflecting the lush grass full of flowers and trees on the other side. I was doubly saddened because I then noticed if it flew a bit higher, it could escape though an open window above. This image spoke greatly to me because I even though I was a bystander I connect deeply to being the butterfly in this scenario. Maybe you too can find yourself somewhere hidden in this story.
The By-Stander, Have you ever felt helpless to help someone you love struggle to find freedom in their lives? That’s how I felt watching that butterfly’s tattered wings and battered body charge at a mirage of it’s natural provision and habitat repeatedly. I observed it’s beauty and strength crushed my a mere illusion of the comfort it was destined to live within. I saw the way out, but the only way this beautiful creature could find freedom was to discover the way itself. I found myself holding on to hope that it would find the strength to climb higher and ascend to freedom. If there is someone or something in your life you see this way, I encourage you to hold on to your hope for this situation to change. Prayer and love is more powerful than you know.
The Butterfly, I have also found myself charging at some semblance my future, blocked by an unseen obstacle however my only strategy is to keep charging forward. My wings are broken and torn and all I want to do is be free, but I simply can’t see the way out. I can’t think to look “up” because I’m consumed with “around” and “in front”. To look higher would also require temporarily forfeiting sight of the grass in the glass in front of me. “How can one receive by letting go?” It defies common knowledge to do so. In moments of deep confusion despair when I am confronted with such questions, I am learning the safest place to be is in the arms of God. My heavenly Father holds me, Jesus accompanies me and Holy Spirit comforts me and leads me up and out of that window free to fly without inhibition. Come higher and it will lead you to greater and bigger than you could have imagined. It will cost you everything, but the reward is always greater than the exchange.
Isaiah 55:8-13
8“My thoughts,” says the Lord, “are not like yours,and my ways are different from yours.
9 As high as the heavens are above the earth,so high are my ways and thoughts above yours.
10 “My word is like the snow and the rain
that come down from the sky to water the earth.
They make the crops grow
and provide seed for planting and food to eat.
11 So also will be the word that I speak—
it will not fail to do what I plan for it;
it will do everything I send it to do.
12“You will leave Babylon[captivity]with joy;
you will be led out of the city in peace.
The mountains and hills will burst into singing,
and the trees will shout for joy.
13 Cypress trees will grow where now there are briers;
myrtle trees will come up in place of thorns.
This will be a sign that will last forever,
a reminder of what I, the Lord, have done.”
The only way to freedom is up and out. Fly high tattered butterfly. Hold on to hope those that standby. Your Help is waiting to hold, comfort and guide you to the life you are destined to live.
Blessings,
K.Love
