Last week, Christian churches throughout the world began the season of Lent. For six weeks, we think and pray about our mortality, how Jesus saved us from eternal death when he died on the cross and rose from the dead. Ironically, at this same time of year, we are also blessed to see a miracle of nature — a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It’s amazing to see a caterpillar closing itself within a tiny chrysalis, appearing dormant for a time, and emerging into a beautiful butterfly! It’s just like the message of the tomb. In many ways, nature mimics birth and death right before our eyes, reminding us of the loving Father who even cares for the tiniest creatures.

According to Google, only five percent of caterpillars become butterflies because caterpillars are the lizard’s favorite delicacy. So, not all caterpillars grow to their full potential. Sounds a little like us, doesn’t it? In her wisdom, the Church brings us to the season of Lent once a year to remind us of our potential, to show us yet again how much love our Creator has for us, and exactly what awaits us when we follow Him. There may be times of darkness, but for a Christian, light is always close at hand.

So, if you are like the caterpillar, hoping to grow into your full potential, remember that your God is close at hand, and your survival rate in His Kingdom is far more than five percent!

About the author: Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is the priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.