When I was a little girl, my sisters and I loved it when my parents loaded us up in the car to go on a country drive. My Dad, who was an entomologist, would sometimes throw his big white butterfly net in the trunk, and my Mom would always pack a picnic and plenty of snacks for our road trip. Oh how we loved our nature excursions! Sometimes we would go to specific locations where my Dad was setting insect traps for his scientific studies. Other times we would just stop at a field or patch of woods and take off to explore. My sisters and I would leap behind my Dad as he carried his big white net on his shoulder.
When we saw a butterfly we would squeal and beg our Dad to catch us one.... excitedly asking him what kind of butterfly it was as he swooped his net. When Dad caught one he would gently pull it out being careful to only hold its body which was protected by its exoskeleton. As he pulled it out of the net to place it in our hands he would say,
"Be careful. Don't touch their wings. They are fragile."
I would cup my hands open and seize my breath as I anticipated the winged beauty being placed within my grasp. Often the butterfly would stay for a moment before fluttering up into the sky....allowing me to gaze upon the beautiful detail and pattern of its wings.
Now that I am all grown up and a parent myself, these beautiful butterflies from my childhood have visited me in my dreams and waking hours. After giving birth to my son, Will, it was these butterflies that whispered in my ear.....
"Be careful. Don't touch his wings. They are fragile."
The metamorphosis of a butterfly is one of the most courageous journeys I have ever witnessed. It's ability to accept vulnerability in order to be free is a message I hold close to my heart as I have watched Will's own strength through his vulnerability. I know, now, without a doubt that Will was born perfectly for the mission God has chosen for him. My young son has been my teacher. I am learning that I, too, despite my many imperfections, was designed perfectly for my mission.
I am on a mission to ensure that our children know that they were born perfectly despite their difference. It wasn't until I discovered my own wings through my journey with Will that I realized how important this is. My hope is that if I can inspire you to discover your wings, you will see the wings on your own children and handle them with care.
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