Letting Them Go

 

Train up a child ^[a]in the way he should go,
And even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (ASV)

 

A screened habit on my patio sheltered green, white and black striped caterpillars. Most clung to milkweed stems after they devoured the leaves. 

 

            Several times a day, I checked on them and added more milkweed. Because of their voracious appetites, they left piles of tiny pellets of poop so I also had to constantly clean out the cages to prevent sickness. 

 

            When I began my butterfly hobby during Covid isolation, I had no idea it would become a daily chore. Even with continual tasks of checking outside milkweed plants for eggs, moving caterpillars into the cages, cleaning habits and supplying food, the results were worth the effort. 

 

            Articles on the internet gave me suggestions on how to care for them as I provided safety, food and a clean environment. 

 

            After the caterpillars became large and chubby, they crawled to the top of the cage, hung up-side-down in a U shape and created a green chrysalis around themselves. To finish the process, a gold ring circled each pupa. 

 

            Every day, I checked the cages to see if the pupa darkened because soon after that, a beautiful orange and black Monarch emerged. Every time a butterfly hatched, I marveled at the wonder of God’s creation. 

 

            The fragile creatures were not ready to fly until their wings dried and they exercised for a few hours in the cage. Only when they kept flapping around did I take them outside to be released. If it was raining or windy, we waited. Of course, sometimes they were anxious to get out but didn’t know of the dangers they would face. 

 

            When allowed to leave most of them took off and soared high. Some were hesitant and didn’t want to leave the comfort of the cage. I had to prod them to cling to my finger. Once free from the enclosure, they normally took off. Occasionally, one would refuse to leave even when I placed it close to flowers. 

 

            Unfortunately, a few were hatched with deformed wings or body. There was nothing I could do to fix it which made me sad. They soon died. 

 

            As the Monarchs flew around my yard, I felt like a parent releasing children. All the work to tend them was worth the final outcome. 

 

            Parents spend years nurturing, protecting, training, and loving children to prepare them for the life God has for them. Even though difficult, there comes a time when they must be released to let them soar. 

 

            Although it can be painful, we pray we have accomplished our purpose as we did our best. Even after children leave our home, our job is not done because prayers continue. 

 

Loving Father, you love and nurture parents so they can do the same for their children. Guide us in all that we do. Amen.