The Process Of Transformation
(Change, Wanting to Change, and Transforming)
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." If you don't understand the process, God says just trust my plan.
Many times in life we face many obstacles, challenges, hills, and valleys. The obstacles are sometimes difficult and painful, but very essential for our growth in Christ. What if there was growth, but no change? It is not possible. God does not change, because He is perfect. People change, because people can grow. But, that is precisely, what God is doing within each of us. Yes! He is perfecting us! I am not a finished product, and by no means am I perfect. Witnessing the transformation of the butterfly up close was a new experience that I never thought about before. It was very interesting, and it showed me how God can transform our lives. It also showed me how this painful process was beautiful, and very fulfilling.
One afternoon in class, one of the teachers brought in a small clear plastic jar with five small fuzzy caterpillars in it. All that week we had been talking to the students about the transformation of the butterfly, drawing pictures, making arts, and sculpting crafts. Now, we where about to see the whole process first hand in the classroom, and get an opportunity to care for them. Immediately, the students flocked to me anxiously wondering what was inside this clear plastic jar. So, I got the little fuzzy buddies, walk to the front of the classroom, and explained to sixteen three and four year old students; we were going to watch the change from caterpillar to butterfly. I like the term "grow butterflies". At least that is what one of my students called it. For several weeks we all watched the little caterpillars inch around the jar. They inched up, and down, side, to side. Listening to the students day after day asking, when were the "worms" going to get their wings, and fly away. Each time we would reassure them that it would be soon. Watching their eagerness to witness this transformation was a blessing in itself. One morning we all came into class, and noticed that a couple of the caterpillars had surfaced to the top of the jar in a cocoon. Excitement overcame the classroom, and the students questioned the wear abouts of some of the caterpillars. As the days passed we noticed that the rest of the caterpillars soon followed suit. Once again, the students faces lightened with excitement. By the end of the week all the caterpillars were successfully in their cocoons. The next week we got the "butterfly house", (that is what my students called it),and we carefully placed all the cocoons in the netting. We then hung it from the ceiling, and patiently waited for the butterflies to emerge. The students watched the butterfly netting day after day in anticipation. Then it happened. The shadow of a wing emerged from the bottom of the netting, and slowly appeared in the light. The students, all in amazement, watched as one of the little butterflies made its appearance to the class. A few days later a couple more followed. I got the netting down from the ceiling to put in a cotton ball of sugar water, and noticed blood all around it. I saw that three of butterflies had spread its wings, one butterfly was quivering from the push, and the other was not moving from its cocoon at all. It made me sad, and it also made me think.
Growing the wings was the most crucial and critical part of the transformation. Change can hurt. It can be painful, but the outcome is beautiful. Our Heavenly Father knows where we are, He knows our growth, He knows our strengths, He know our weakness, and He knows how much we can bear. And yet, He still loves us, is patient with us, through our growth, through our change, and through our process. He is with us always till the very end. He has the perfect plan if we only submit to His will, and His way.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2). "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24). "Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." (Ephesians 5:10). "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17). Realizing the beauty of transformation allowed me to see the beauty God was doing in me. It was painful, but it was beautiful. We grabbed the netting with the three remaining butterflies, and took the students to the awning to set them free. I saw their faces light up when the butterflies flew to freedom, flew to their new lives, and flew changed and transformed little angels. This was an opportunity where both teacher and students received a lesson and a blessing! When we are being transformed, and we allow ourselves to be changed we are allowing God to shape us in His likeness. His perfection! Remember, if you do not understand His process, know He has got the perfect plan!
Have a blessed day dear friends!!!
