Wings in First Clasp
At first, fist clasping the wings came quickly as the little boy bent down to grab that which was within reach. He’d snuck up behind that which his eyes were beholding and held lightly to that which was now in hand. The yellow and black butterfly was all his! As he retrieved his trophy, his parents helped guide.
Into a jar it went. Cellophane taped tightly atop, an airhole or two was poked in—in order to keep the little bugger alive. Proudly, the little boy came up to show all who watched on that he was thrilled! Onto the cupboard it went with a bang and on display it sat while the little boy played elsewhere. When it was time to go, he’d all but forgotten about the butterfly, now barely flapping, still sitting upon the counter.
Knowing it may not survive the night, grandpa asked, “Should I take it outside and let it go?”
“And return the jar empty?” The words gasped came as automatic fire from the heart.
The grand had worked diligently to care for the beautiful butterfly still sitting in jar upon handpicked grass and a pile of crumpled leaves. Some life lessons are just too hard on the hearts of grandparents to be the ones to teach. Thus, we chose to leave the captured little creature in the jar!
Although the wings of the critter were no longer moving the next morning, the jar was returned to the little one who kicked this all into gear to begin with. However, it was grandpa who was sent on over to deliver the goods. No doubt, man to man they will handle what must be done, and closure will bring with it a growing season for all. Years back, I would have handled it and moved on. However, when it comes to the grands, it’s different. I no longer have the heart to be the one to deliver the bad news nor teach the tougher lessons in life.
This reminds me of the encouragement spoken of in John 16:33. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Which reminds me of Rev. 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Which reminds me of Rev. 21:5. “And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’”
Can you imagine? All things new is what He is making—including each of us as the transformation process this side of the veil continues. We are being transformed into His image, the likeness of Christ so that we might be able to love our neighbors as ourselves—helping to make all things new through that love which He pours in—and we pour out. Amen.