Emergence

I received a beautiful gift the other day -- a Monarch butterfly chrysalis waiting to open. Finally, one morning I saw it had just emerged, so I took it outside to set it free.

It took longer than I thought for her wings to dry. She hung on the twig. Moved around to perch in different positions. Tried her wings. Hung there a while more. It took a few hours. But once she made up it's mind she was ready -- she took off! Fast!

Her first flight was only marginally successful -- she landed quickly in the grass. I was afraid the dog would step on her, so I put my finger down and she latched on. She sat there on my hand for a moment, as if catching her breath, then flew away up into the trees.

It was magical and I am reminded how powerful a symbol this is for our life of faith. I recently found this prayer that seemed appropriate:


A Chrysalis of Grace


God

give us

a chrysalis of grace

wrapped around

our lives
& our dreams

& around

our past.
And in the dark & lonely
sometimes
remind us

to change

& grow
as we wait

& wait
& wait

& wonder.
Open our eyes
to see a peak
of light

as bright

breaks through.
Then finally
finally
but gently
slowly

push us
into the future
to emerge
a new creature
transformed
to realize

these wings
are meant

to fly.
Amen
.

by Tracey Marx