I am a butterfly lover! So at the Vancouver Aquarium last week, I spent time trying to capture pictures of them. My family left me because they got too hot and they were tired of waiting. I wasn’t the only person willing to deal with the swamp-like temperatures for the perfect shot. People gathered around these cut pieces of fruit to photograph butterflies. Cameras aimed from all angles.
We all wanted to see the butterflies open their wings and display their design, but they weren’t cooperating. Instead when they landed, they kept their wings shut. One guy even blew on them to see if he could get them to open up or move. Not. They fluttered a little, but not enough to see their full color. Not for long anyway.
(Here’s a glimpse I caught of the brilliant blue inside.)
One teen said in frustration, “I wish they would open up. They’re so pretty on the inside.”
I still hear his voice in my mind–and it’s been days.
I wish they would open up. They’re so pretty on the inside.
Aren’t we created to open up too? To display our unique design? But how many of us choose to remain shut? Who out there fears that others or even God will be digusted by what they find if you open up? You’re not alone.
I see myself in these pictures. Somedays I’m shut and no one can see the real me. I’m completely hidden. Unmovable. Other times I’m partially open. Sharing only with selected people my heart. And then there are times when I feel safe and I open up. I risk being seen by the world for who I really am. It’s scary!
(At last, I caught one wide open.)
What if all my hiding isn’t the answer? What if my heart’s design isn’t as aweful I am see it? Am I frustrating my loved ones?
May I make this personal? Are you hiding? If so, what if what you’re hiding is actually beautiful like this butterfly?
* * *
You have something beautiful to offer others. Go spread your wings and fly. Make someone’s day; land and show them who you are: beautiful inside!
(There’s more to this butterfly experience. An amazing God moment. Maybe I’ll post about that another day.)
This was a beautiful, totally unexpected post. I love the way you made the connection.
What you are saying is so true! So often we hid our true beauty… the shame factor.
Bless you my friend.
Oh, dear friend, this was absolutely beautiful… I loved every minute of it and the pictures too. It is a God-breathed word.
Yes, we are to be open to display the glory of God on us and in us.
I find myself that I have to close up my wings sometimes due to the reactions of others, like they are not ready for my heart. Does that make sense?
Sometimes I feel forced to have my wings closed. Sometimes I feel like I have to be hidden under a bushel and it is not because I do not want to open up.
Thanks for this word. It was awesome.
Hugs!
Julie
PS. I love the beauty inside you!!! Thanks for opening up with me. You display the glory of your God, beautifully
Nice post, Tiffany, Julie hit right on the nail with her response.
I think judgment from others causes us to close up. I know I do. Jesus usually tells me what He expects of me at each given situation. It is up to Jesus whether I open my wings or not to a person.
I like to think of His Mother, Mary in some situations as a mother, sister, daughter or friend.
Have a blessed week,
Love,
Paulette
Beautiful.
And how beautiful is the love of Jesus in us, and when we open up and shine his light we create beauty in the loves of others.
Thanks for sharing.
Bless you,
~Reese
Oh Tiffany, this gave me the chills. I heard the voice of the Lord the moment you recalled the teenager’s words. What a beautiful analogy. I don’t want to hide what God has placed inside of me.
I just love it when God speaks to us through everyday, ordinary things. It makes those ordinary things memorable!
How true it is that we need to open up and be transparent before one another. If we did we could encourage others so much more, and we would give others opportunities to minister to us when we needed it.
Thanks for this thought provoking post!
Blessings!
So very lovely.
Tiffany—I had to come back here and read this—it caught my eye last night. This was an amazing story—and pictures!Yes, I find myself “hiding” many times….
This was a very thought provoking post. VERY.
Love you much—and always enjoy reading your heartfelt words.
Beautiful Tiffany! My daughter is a butterfly lover too. They are amazing creatures and I appreciate your application to our lives – makes me think of the VBS song – “Bullfrogs and Butterflies.” Your application is right on target – when we are afraid or preoccupied we often hide our beauty and then we end up feeling less than… If only we could always walk in confidence holding the hand of Jesus then we’d be able to share our true beauty all the time…