Metamorphosis

met-a-mor-pho-sis [met-uh-mawr-fuh-sis]:

1.Biology. a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism, as from the caterpillar to the pupa and from the pupa to the adult butterfly.
2.a complete change of form, structure, or substance, as transformation by magic or witchcraft.
3.any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances, etc.
4.a form resulting from any such change.
5.Pathology.
a. a type of alteration or degeneration in which tissues are changed
b.the resultant form.
6.Botany. the structural or functional modification of a plant organ or structure during its development.

Several weeks ago I had the privilege to take my ‘Little Sister’ to the St. Louis Zoo. One of the main attractions during that visit was the Insectarium. Upon arrival, I was excited to learn that there is no longer an admission charge to visit the Insectarium. In all my years as a St. Louis Zoo patron, I had never had the opportunity to visit the Insectarium, due to the price you had to pay to see a bunch of disgusting insects crawl around. Well, my opinion of the Insectarium changed once I went inside. Yes, there are tons of disgusting insects that I see far too many of in my place of lodging here at SIUE. However, my favorite part of the attraction was the butterfly garden. My little sister and I were delighted to have to opportunity to watch a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. We were able to see the whole process of it changing from this somewhat unattractive, green blob into a beautiful butterfly. Soon after the transformation, a staff member of the zoo took the case of butterflies and released several into the butterfly garden. Thankfully, this area is a separate room from the other insects. What a glorious feeling to be surrounded by so many plants and have hundreds of butterflies fluttering about. The docent directing us through the garden claimed that if you stand still long enough, a butterfly might land on your nose. Well, try telling a squirmy ten-year-old girl who is anxious to visit the penguins to stand still for more than 10 seconds…it’s nearly impossible. Regardless, the experience was a memorable one, and one that caused the wheels to start turning in my head.

The metamorphosis experience led to me to reflect on the changes that have occurred, and continue to occur, in my life. We all go through changes in ‘appearance, character, and circumstances,’ whether great or small. The changes that occur from infancy to adulthood are limitless. Among those changes are those that benefit us and those that hinder us. Regardless of the immediate outcome, all have worked together in creating the person we are today.

One of the most significant changes many of us experience is the transformation from the ‘old man’ to the ‘new man.’ Now, I didn’t have an ‘Apostle Paul’ experience; I can’t tell you a specific time or place when this transformation occurred in me. However, I can tell you that it has taken place, and that nearly every day I have to remember the instructions Paul gave the church at Rome (and to us): “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” It's no secret that I fall so short of meeting this expectation. With Chris and Michelle’s recent blog entries, I too have taken some time to reflect on all the things I have set out to do, yet have not accomplished. I think of the extensive list of things I would like to accomplish throughout my life, and know that some of those will never be checked off. However, when my journey here in this world comes to an end, I know “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” (Psalm 17:15)

We have the hope and promise that our greatest transformation is yet to come. When we enter into our Eternal Home, we will be transformed and will become perfect, spotless, and complete. That time will be more amazing than the most beautiful butterfly emerging from a cocoon. What a day that will be!

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:1-5)