Metamorphosis

I have long wondered if the major changes we face are designed to happen to us. A very intentional design, a very Godly design. However, the change in a person is only as effective as the person's interior condition to accept such a change. The metamorphosis is much like a caterpillar that was designed to be a butterfly.

"For I know the plans I have for you."

Jeremiah 29:11

A caterpillar undergoes a complex biological metamorphosis;  this process is the only way to become a butterfly. Although humans do not undergo the same complex natural process of metamorphosis. We undergo life phases that shape us and who we are to become. The metamorphosis occurs because the caterpillar is mutating into its adult form, so it can procreate and expand the species - a clear purpose. In human terms, we all have to develop into our adult form with a clear purpose.

What differs from our human experience in metamorphosis and the caterpillar's biological process of metamorphosis is the growing pains that are experienced by us as social humans. We can, and often do, experience the transformation's physical and emotional pain. Parts of the brain are retained for caterpillars, allowing memories to persist through this dramatic transition. For us as people, our temporal lobe must be firing on all cylinders, allowing us to feel all the growing pains and process these feelings in our lives. This transitional phase is a part of our human experience. The disintegration of our "tissues," or better expressed for humans, "habits" to form the person we are all meant to be.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

Romans 8: 28-30

What does vary from person to person is the response to the metamorphosis. During these transitional phases in life, it is sink or swim. We all have a choice in our response to the metamorphosis. We can thrive like a butterfly, doing the real and arduous work to complete the transition. Or the alternative, just survive. Far too many of us make this choice just to go along to get along, not allowing ourselves to live wholly and completely. (I mean, is this life not meant to be lived?)

But for me, the interesting part started when I decided I could no longer be a caterpillar. Full disclosure, I never really made a choice; the intentionally designed life I was given made it for me. I had to grow. I had to feel. I had to heal. The interesting thing about starting my career with Caterpillar Inc is that I morphed into a butterfly in time and through the rough work.

Take some time to be intentional because we are all meant to be butterflies.