Finding Comfort in Nature's Transformations During Times of Loss

Earlier this week, Jane, a dear friend from the Lake District in England, spotted a beautiful yet fragile butterfly in her garden. She felt there was something meaningful in appreciating this lovely sight and decided to take a photo of the butterfly. By the week's end, Jane understood why. Her dog, Hattie, who accompanied her every morning on prayer walks in nature, passed away this week. The Holy Spirit had prepared Jane and her husband for this impending loss by offering wisdom and comfort through nature, symbolized by the transformation of a butterfly. If you are experiencing a loss this week, today’s message is for you. 

While gardening this week, as I stood still, I noticed this butterfly. The butterfly stayed on the flower long enough for me to get my camera and take this shot.

Notice how beautiful it is! The blue at the tips of the wings brought this to my attention—every bit of it is just right. Each wing is symmetrical, one reflecting the other. As I pondered on wing symmetry, I recounted a story about a man who saw a chrysalis coming out of its cocoon. As he watched the slow process, he thought he would help it—sadly, his intervention was not the right thing to do, so the butterfly died.

You see, a transformation is a process which cannot be rushed. When a butterfly emerges it has crumpled wings and it takes a few hours for fluid to be pumped into the wings before it can fly.

As I looked at the butterfly I am reminded how we need to turn to Jesus to be transformed and not rely on others, only then will we turn (slowly) into a thing of beauty.

 I encourage you, whilst looking at the butterfly’s beauty, to reflect on the following Bible verse:

“We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18 TPT 

Jane Holmes