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Butterfly day…

A couple of weeks ago, Parker’s class had butterfly day in his Pre-K class. They had fed caterpillars for weeks…watched them build their cocoons and finally the date was set to let them go. We all met at the park to let them go home where they belonged…and one by one his teacher—who had help strengthen and nurture them…held them out to let them go. Finally, they would get to be where they belonged…where they would thrive…and although they were raised for some time in unideal conditions—they were loved on tremendously while they were in that preK class…but they needed to be let go so they could fly.
The kids were PRECIOUS cheering them on to take flight and “go home”…and then it came time for the final little guy. He was the smallest of all. He was the last to build his cocoon…the last to become a butterfly. He was weaker than the others—and it was precious hearing the teacher talk about this little butterfly who had been a bit behind the others. (I couldn’t help but love him.) It took him the longest to be brave enough to sit on the stick. And it took him the longest to finally fly home…he just sat there–and we all held our breath
I wish I could say he took off and his flight was what my heart expected…but it wasn’t. In fact, he took off and then plopped on the ground. And we all got very quiet. The teacher tried to distract the kids in a different direction as she thought he might not fly. But the kids were determined. They began to cheer “Fly butterfly! Fly butterfly! You can do it! You can do it!”

The kids got louder and louder–and we realized they were not going to be distracted–and we were going to have to let them cheer him on. In that moment—I felt my kids watching and began to think, “Oh no–this might not be good.” But the kids didn’t know any better…they just knew to cheer and believe. And their belief was starting to rub off on me…only I know too much and thought the worst. And just hoped that little butterfly would do the unexpected…only I think I was the only one standing there that didn’t expect him to do anything. The children not only expected him to fly, but the longer he took…the more belief they had…and the more excited they got.

And then he did the unexpected…he flew.

Matthew 18:3-5 “And Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this welcomes me.”

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Katie - May 18, 2010 - 2:32 pm

So fantastic for those little ones (kids), more so for the bigs ones! Loved reading your thoughts!

Gini - May 18, 2010 - 2:50 pm

Wow, what a beautiful analogy…

Elle J - May 18, 2010 - 3:51 pm

Yes, a perfect analogy!! Love your writing. Our school does the same thing and last year I was waiting in my car for school to get out, sunroof and windows open, reading my book and hearing the Kdg class get all excited in their butterfly launch. The butterflies took off, the kids went inside, and the next thing I knew … I had a butterfly on the passenger seat of my car!! LOL!! I opened the door and the breeze got him excited to exit. Glad the Kdg class did not see. =)

Dawn - May 18, 2010 - 10:07 pm

Reminds me of some of our children. People said- they won’t fly…..the odds are against them…..why try to hope, but with GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! LOVE THAT ILLUSTRATION!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!

Jenny - May 18, 2010 - 11:01 pm

Just wanting you to know I’m praying for you right…. NOW!

Heidi - May 18, 2010 - 11:46 pm

love this and it brought tears to my eyes! Thanks for moving my heart. once again, another time I just needed to hear your words today! Such a great message of HOPE!

Kim - May 19, 2010 - 1:02 am

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS POST and the analogy it represents for your littlest one waiting for you all. I am cheering and believing from Hong Kong!
FLY ISSAC FLY!
Love you,
Kim

Chrystal - May 19, 2010 - 9:28 am

… ALL IN GOD’S TIMING. This story melted my heart, and as reading it.. I, too had hoped the butterfly just took off and soured into the sky. But, have to admit that when he said he plopped down on the ground, just the way you wrote it made me giggle out loud. 🙂 I knew he would do it…. if anything else, because of FAITH from those precious children that know no different.

Praying for you friend.. harder than you know. I will standing up during prayer request tonight at church and asking for prayers. GOD IS ABLE… and He is at work RIGHT NOW to make the impossible.. POSSIBLE. (huge-huge hugs, because everything is going to be okay!!)…..