Our way of being in one season of life might not serve us in the next. And we only frustrate ourselves when we assume the same approach throughout. There’s a time to crawl like a caterpillar, and a time to take to the air like a butterfly.
Caterpillars are perfectly equipped to blend into their environment, stick close to the ground, and slowly move from one leaf to the next to consume as much as possible for their growth. This is not their season to fly and they don’t have to beat themselves up for this limitation. On the other hand, while butterflies can take flight, life also becomes more complicated. They can no longer enjoy the simplicity of having a singular focus and must now navigate multiple choices.
And the butterfly would frustrate itself if it still tried to live like a caterpillar. To experience the fullness of life it must learn how to operate at a higher level. And the same is true for us.
As the Scriptures say, the glory of a young man is in his strength while the glory of an old man is in his gray hairs. There’s a time to approach life with youthful vigor, and a time to approach it with seasoned wisdom. And often our internal angst when life is not working is an indication of our need to shift modes and elevate our approach.
To be sure, such change is often disruptive. While the caterpillar is in constant contact with something solid, the butterfly is airborne, exposed to the wind, and in constant motion. And our learning to fly will likely be a bit uneasy at first as well. But while we give up a life of predictability, we gain the freedom and strength to be more productive – contributing to the welfare of others and not just ourselves.
In the end, don’t approach life like a caterpillar when it’s time to become a butterfly. Spread your wings and live in the fullness of your maturity.
