Life:

A Struggle to Beauty

Artist: Jonathon Earl Bowser

Used with permission

Whilst out for a walk on a blissfully sunny day, a young boy came across a caterpillar cocoon and noticed signs of movement within.  Intrigued, he stopped to watch.

After some considerable time, as he observed the hatching butterfly struggle to release itself from its cocoon he took pity on its plight and wanted to help.  Taking out his pocket knife, he slit the cocoon to release the newborn.  However, it was weak and feeble, and its wings did not have the usual colour or lustre that other butterflies had.  After a short time, it died.

Later, as he was discussing this with his father, he learned that the struggle to release itself from the cocoon, released vital hormones which vitalised the hatching butterfly, making it strong and beautiful.

Life can quite easily be related to the struggle to release ourselves from a cocoon.  Without the struggles and pitfalls, we will not become strong, healthy and well-balanced individuals - and we most certainly will not learn.