A time for everything
Dedicated to my dad, Derick Mocke (1 September 1943 – 14 August 2021)
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
These words were written by King Solomon; a man considered one of the wisest men in Biblical times. The 1960’s American rock band, the Byrds, adapted these words for their bestselling song, “Turn, Turn, Turn”. It has been a source of inspiration for many people from all walks of life. The message is clear: there is a time for everything. Even the many challenges we have to face in life.
Fear of change
Nature has many beautiful examples of the different types of life cycles which occur here on earth. The one that leaves people in awe and wonder is the remarkable transformation a caterpillar experiences when it becomes a butterfly.
Have you ever wondered if caterpillars are afraid of the changes that are happening to them? Do caterpillars feel any discomfort when they shed their skin to make space for their rapidly growing bodies? When the caterpillar’s skin splits open for the last time to reveal the chrysalis, do any thoughts or fear of death ever enter its mind?
From an outsider’s perspective, it seems that the caterpillar may just be resting. However, on the inside, the caterpillar is rapidly changing as its tissue, limbs and organs are broken down, and new structures are formed.
Preparing for change
We may sometimes experience guilt or confusion when we are in a season of change and restoration. However, we must remind ourselves that there is a time for everything. Just like a caterpillar in its chrysalis phase, we too are preparing for something new to take place in our lives.
This rest period may seem like an idle time to the outside world as we are always expected to perform. Yet, when we look at nature, we see that these short periods of rest are vital! We need to give ourselves permission to rest, to mourn, to prepare and to adjust. Doing so will not only benefit our overall health. It will also help shape us into the unique beings we are becoming.
A new life
After an intense period of transformation, a fully formed butterfly might emerge from its captive state feeling confused and dazed as it enters the world. However, as its wings finally unfold, it undoubtedly takes delight in its new ability to fly from one flower to another. It now has a new world full of life and sweet nectar to explore.
As human beings, we also undergo several transformations. The one that probably scares us more than any other is the idea of dying and not knowing what will happen next. Yet, when we hear about the many incidents of people who have had a near-death experience, we can only listen in awe. Their stories are filled with spiritual adventures of unconditional love, light, radiant colour and heavenly tones.
Some of the other transformations we undergo may leave us confused or dazed. But when we begin to accept this new world and unfold our ‘new wings’, we too can experience a wondrous new life.
So, whether you fear change, face a challenge or feel guilty or confused about being in a season of restoration, look upon a butterfly and know that everything is as it should be. You are okay. There is a time for everything!
Please know that you do not have to struggle through changing circumstance on your own. It helps to have someone to talk to. If you would like extra guidance on how to deal with change, book in for a therapy session with Laurinda today.
