More butterflies, more meanings

After my August 12th post, it's no secret that I'm fond of butterflies! But I am just now realizing how these beautiful creatures have come to symbolize real transformations in thought within the lives of others.

My blogging pal Emily at Be in Wonder is a case in point. In March she wrote a very revealing post entitled "Butterly Wings" that I've only recently became aware of. It refers to this insect in terms of individuality and worth.

In her story, Emily refers to a silky piece of cloth that was imagined to be butterfly wings by her son. She observes:

I had often felt like those butterfly wings [after they had been seen more than once and were no longer considered special]; That because I wasn’t unique I didn’t have any joy to offer those around me. I grew up thinking that if I didn’t have anything unique to say that it wasn’t worth saying at all.

I was wrong ... What I have to say is worth expressing--even if it's been said before ... Like butterflies, I will spread my wings -- even if they’ve been seen before. I may be the 1,000 Monarch butterfly you've seen, but I’m the only one dancing in this moment before you.

A second writer, Donna at Amazed By His Grace is the mother of an autistic son. One day she was surprised to see the boy "enacting a butterfly coming out of the cocoon." In response to what she had witnessed, Donna wrote a short but poignant poem which she shared in a recent post. Her words refer to the cognitive breakthrough made by her son and among this mother's heart-felt lines are these:

You broke from your small abode, no longer crawling
But fluttering in the sun, soaking up the rays
Bringing delight to all who would stop to gaze and reflect on the wondrous transformation
My son, I see your passion for the vibrant winged insect and I ponder...
Do you love them so, because they are so much like yourself?
You too were once encased, enclosed, hibernating
Now, you've emerged even more beautiful than I could imagine
Full of life, full of energy, full of love

I can give neither of these posts full justice, so I encourage you to visit the blogs through the links provided above and read these inspirational messages for yourself. Each story is transformative in its own right ... and shows how real empowerment can be found in something as fragile as a butterfly!

Comments

[pepsoid]

Nothing is new in the world, and yet everything... every moment... is unique... :)

[Brenda replies]

Coll -- I just love that quote! I'd never heard it before so thank you for sharing! I'm adding that to my growing collection of favorite quotations!

[Coll]

I often think of this quote when I spot a butterfly,

"To make a wish come true, whisper it to a butterfly.Upon these wings it will be taken to heaven and granted.For they are the messengers of the Great Spirit."
~ Native American Legend ~