Butterflies

My children love to watch butterflies. Since the pleasant and much anticipated arrival of spring, we've had the privilege of spending much time outdoors to watch these beautiful little creatures. My youngest, just 16 months old, simply points at them and yells, "Momma!" with delight on his face. My daughter, in all her almost 3 year-old-energy, pursues the winged play things until she's satisfied with her effort to reach them, though they always end up just outside her grasp.

As we watched the butterflies circle the flowers in a neighboring yard the other day, I began to think how fasting is much like the caterpillar's journey to that beautiful butterfly stage. Each time I deny myself in order to pursue the Lord, each time I mentally fight to say no to something in order to welcome God's work in my life, its like God making a small change in me- just the way he makes small changes in the caterpillar when she's wrapped inside that shell. The Word says it best, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Transformed. By the renewing of your mind. Isn't it my mind that feels I NEED ice cream and baked goods and something deep fried? (Okay, sometimes my stomach really wants that, too), but fasting is most successful when we allow God to renew our minds and remind us that His purposes lie deeper than our stomachs. We CAN do WITHOUT to be WITH all that God wants for us. We CAN say no to say yes! We're more than half-way there! Keep on being renewed, keep on being transformed. Oh, what a beautiful butterfly you will make, Dear One! Can't wait to see your lovely wings!

-Latrice