Cocoons and Shells

Have you ever watched a butterfly free itself from a cocoon? At times the attempt can seem desperate, aggressive and even violent. What does the butterfly inside the cocoon know that we don’t? Perhaps the same thing the lobster knows. The lobster is actually a soft animal that lives on the “Inside” of a hard shell. As it grows on the inside, the shell on the outside becomes too small. In order to continue to grow, the lobster must shed its protective outer shell, exposing itself to a harsh environment, while living under a rock where it can be protected while it grows a new outer shell. This cycle happens repeatedly until it reaches full maturity. 

The butterfly, like the lobster, have this one thing in common, the stimulus for growth and new life is when they feel uncomfortable, confined and restricted. Both, the butterfly and the lobster, have no idea what is going to happen in the future. The only thing they know in that moment is they are bigger than where they’re at and they are willing to do whatever is necessary to cast off the old in order to make room for the new. 

Throughout our lifetime, we will enter into seasons of great stress that feels uncomfortable, confined and restricted. But unlike the butterfly and the lobster, who use this to their advantage, we tend to self-medicate in order to alleviate the pain. What would happen if, instead of trying to numb the pain and discomfort, we recognized it as a sign for our growth. What if, in that moment of great discomfort, confinement and restriction, our internal self-talk shifted? What if we stopped saying “I wish I had…,” “If only I could…,” “Why can’t I…” and replaced the conversation with “I’m going to get…,” “I will find a way to…,” and “I will have…,” then take action to do so?

Our lives were never meant to be lived inside a cocoon or hard shell, restricting us from our purpose and destiny. But in order to walk in purpose and pursue destiny we require an inner strength that can only be developed through resistance. There is One who walks by our side whether we know it or not, gladly extending His hand to trade your stress and anxiety for His strength and peace (1 Peter 5:7-8). The next time it feels like your cocoon is too small or you are outgrowing your shell, trade your stress for His promise. That’s how butterflies spread their wings.