When you were a child, you probably learned about how a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly in science class. There is a lot that happens in the process.
Let’s start with the caterpillar. The caterpillar is born into this world with a purpose – to become a butterfly. When he is born, he is technically larva. In this stage he consumes plenty of leaves and grows quite large. The one day, he stops eating altogether, hangs himself upside down off a twig or leaf and begins spinning his cocoon. This shiny, metallic-looking chrysalis keeps him safe while his body undergoes a radical transformation, eventually ending with him becoming a butterfly.
Scientific American explains the stages and what it all entails in detail, if you are interested. But if we could see what was happening inside that cocoon, it would look like complete and utter destruction.
The caterpillar digests itself and, in the process, releases enzymes that dissolve all his tissues. But on a cellular level, rebirth is happening. Cells called imaginal discs survive the digestive process and begin building the foundation for the butterfly. Through metamorphosis, rapid cell division occurs, ultimately creating the beautiful butterfly.
Now already he has gone through incredible adversity inside his cocoon. But there is still more he must overcome. When butterflies emerge from their cocoon, it is called a rumble. The rumble is his struggle to escape the chrysalis. If you are watching this process, the struggle is uncomfortable to watch. You might be tempted to help the butterfly escape. But you cannot help him. His rumble cannot be skipped. If you help him out of his cocoon, he will never be able to fly. He needs the struggle to strengthen his wings. Without it, he will be flightless – and he was born to fly.
Like the butterfly, we must all face adversity to create and strengthen our character. We need the struggle so we can become stronger. When you are going through difficult times, remember that just when the caterpillar thought that the world was over, it became a butterfly. And you will be, too.
