What do butterflies have to do with the human spirit? Meet Maggie, a middle-aged wife and mother who was about to find out.
Maggie wasn't rich like a millionaire or poor like a homeless person. She lived an average comfortable life. It was even better when a beautiful little girl came to her. She and her husband made sure their daughter had her needs met, and they were still able to take their annual beach vacation.
Maggie was a partner in her husband's business. Both had other responsibilities that kept everything in balance. One day, her husband's business suffered a devastating blow and for three years the business ceased to function. Her husband had to change completely and wanted to fulfill his dream with a new profession. She was happy for him and fully supported him, but the money still didn't come.
Maggie began to feel guilty about not contributing any income. It had been a long time since she had worked outside the home and had to work for someone else. Needless to say, she was scared, but she still believed that everything would be fine. She began her job search and found filling out the applications somewhat difficult, especially the part that asked for work references. Keep in mind that she and her husband were self-employed for almost 20 years. It felt like it was worthless because she was never invited for an interview.
While she was looking for work, her mother got sicker than her and ended up in the hospital for a week. Once Maggie's mom came home, she became her mom's helper one day a week. She shopped, changed the sheets, vacuumed and did other things that her mother could no longer handle. Of course her mom would pay her for her time and work, but she still felt she needed to find another source of income.
One of the first applications she filled out finally came out. She passed the interview and was told she was "exactly" what they were looking for. Even if it was only part-time, it was exactly what she wanted. It was important to her that she be home when her daughter came home from school. She was told they would be in touch when the plan was ready. Knowing she had the job made her feel content and productive again.
However, within a few weeks, she received an email saying that the company had changed the job to a full-time position and she was not qualified. Maggie was devastated. She felt betrayed and lied to. She was alone that evening as her husband and daughter had gone out for the night. She welcomed solitude and wanted to drown her sorrows in a hot tub with bubbles.
As she knew he would, she began to cry, silently at first just from the sheer pain of rejection. Three long years of struggle had finally caught up with her. Then she got angry; angry at everything from the circumstances that got her there to God himself. She cried even more and screamed, "What do you want me to do?" She really felt that God had abandoned her.
When she couldn't cry anymore, she was exhausted and gave up. At that moment, a quiet idea came to her to offer home care to other old people.
Using another talent for computers, she printed some flyers and cards and distributed them to her church, grocery stores, and even placed a small ad in the newspaper. During the week, she got two new clients.
Now, even though she is not the CEO of a big company or a power player, she feels happy and productive again. Has God really forsaken her? Let's look at the lessons and answer in nature.
Before the butterfly can emerge from the chrysalis, it has to go through a lot of struggles. Yes I'm trying to. Acids are removed from his wings every time he dashes away. If someone came and broke the cocoon for it, then the butterfly would die from these acids. Basically, fighting is necessary for the butterfly to survive. Then in silence, when the fight is over, the butterfly can come out and share its beauty with the world.
We as humans are no different. There are times when we have to fight, to get rid of the acids that make up sadness, fear and anger.
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