Emergence - A Short Life Experience With Monarch Butterflies

Moments before releasing a female Monarch Butterfly

A Discovery

With awe and happiness, I had finally discovered Monarch caterpillars on my milkweed plant. This milkweed had been planted for years in hopes to hatch Monarch butterflies and finally, in early September it began. I deviate from my usual subject to share a lesson learned from another winged creature, the Monarch Butterfly. 

Clarity

We all reach a point in our lives when we must make a choice and make a drastic change in order to re-emerge, re-discover ourselves…heal. I was there three years ago. Stuck in the snare of numbness and anxiety led me to the constant battle of survival mode. Spiritually, mentally and emotionally I was unsound. My heart was lacking the enriched soil it took to thrive. Against my will and the disdain for the unknown, I had decided maybe it was time to search for fertile grounds. My husband always wanted to flee our home base, but I was always apprehensive. This time, I desperately reached out for it. The moment of clarity allowed us to make specific prayers and act in harmony with them through decisive actions. 

A Safe Place

The threat of a Texas storm endangered the safety and peaceful transformation of my five chrysalises. All but one was successfully moved to a place free from disturbance. Unable to search for the one lost, I kept it a matter of prayer in hopes for the best. “You know where it is. If you want to reveal to me in time where it is, I will wait.” I said silently in my prayer. I prayed constantly for all five fourth-generation Monarchs to transform beautifully in order for them to continue their enduring journey. These special ones are specifically created to live longer than the first three generations of Monarchs. Unlike the usual and brief two-week life span, the fourth lives on for six to eight months in order to migrate and continue the legacy for future Monarchs to come. 

Identical Circumstances

September 15th was the day my husband received word that he was officially hired at his new job. In just under two weeks, we would be in the new soils of Maine. Within a short period of time, many things began to fall into place. As I stared at my personal belongings spread around, I glanced at the chrysalises safely nestled in their designated space. It was no coincidence that I was witnessing the growth, metamorphosis and emergence of this fourth generation creature. I had always wanted to see it first-hand and now, during this rapidly changing time in my life…I beheld it. As I intently watched and waited for these precious insects to change and emerge, so it goes with my Creator. He was waiting for me to rise and thrive. Even he knows that sometimes growth is better done when moved elsewhere. “There is an appointed time for everything, a time for every activity under the heavens…a time to plant and a time to uproot what was planted…a time to HEAL.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-3. Moving the caterpillars to a safer place away from the elements reminded me of where I was at in this point of my life. My wings had felt torn for too long and it was a time to uproot and rise for the better. 

Emergence

September 19th I found the Monarch that was missing, peacefully drying its wings on a wall of my back porch. The next day, another was born and released. Two successful Monarch releases, a male and female. The early morning of September 27th began with the gift of watching the three remaining Monarch’s rebirth. Slowly they left behind their encased vessel and remained peacefully still as their wings dried off. In time, these enduring creatures flew off to continue their next chapter. The same day, alongside my husband and family, we did the same and drove off to our new home in Maine. 

The Lesson in Metamorphosis

I have always observed nature and looked to the Creator to teach me lessons throughout my life. The timing of the Monarch’s arrival was no coincidence. Their ever-changing stages of development mirrored this turning point in my life. The fourth generation Monarch butterfly was designed with a specific and precious purpose…to endure and preserve. Thousands of miles she flies overcoming obstacles that threaten her delicate state. A beautiful resting place is her reward for her perseverance. We may lose ourselves along the way in life because of what the past and present has done to us. When this happens, remember the enduring Monarch and emerge every time you feel buried in the darkness. “Comfort is the enemy of progress.” - PT Barnum. A drastic change may be needed in order to bloom. Overcome the negative, know your worth and make that change. Suit up with your armor, fight the daily battle and win the war.

Moving away was one of the best decisions we ever made and it led me to the path of healing. For the first time in my life, I was home. Yet, as with any “thorn in the flesh,” my depression and anxiety continues to be a battle. However, when I feel worn-down as if my wings have been torn, I remember the Monarch butterfly and how her Maker equipped her for strength and endurance. 

“For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.” - Philippians 4:13

*To see a brief reel on the Monarch Butterflies I hatched, visit my Instagram profile

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