In a recent photo challenge of “yellow,” I featured some migrating Monarch butterflies. One of my Facebook friends commented, “Don’t you have some pictures of tiger swallowtails?” Why, yes I do. These were taken in April of 2013 at my sister’s home in Virginia at the peak of the azalea blooms. Butterfly wings are wonderful examples of symmetry as they are perfect mirror images in size and design.
For more examples of “symmetry” click HERE.
The beautiful and symmetrical butterfly begins as an ugly but symmetrical caterpillar. However, its metamorphosis into something so incredibly different in appearance and mobility might cause one to not believe they are the same creature.
Likewise, the believer in Christ is said to go through a similar metamorphosis.
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2, HCSB)*
The same word “transformed” is the word from which metamorphosis is derived. In the text it is a present imperative tense verb, thus a command that involves continuous action. As the Christian experiences transformation, it is not always an immediate, dramatic change, but a process that will find its completion in a thoroughly new creation, redeemed and reformed from the vestiges of a self-centered life to a God-directed life.
*Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Rural Iowa Pastor 
What beautiful photos and words. Butterflies hold a lot of meaning to my life this year – i have been through a transformation over the past 2 years and I have never felt so at peace and connected. I see butterflies everywhere and feel happy. Yours are magnificent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words. Praying for your continued sense of peace and being connected. It is good to have those reminders of our own transformation and “happy places” as you mentioned in your wonderful blog post, “Invisible Scars.” Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos!!perfect choice for this challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. My wife was sitting beside me as I viewed your wonderful entry and she thought it was a tattoo. How painful would that have been?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha…no,it’s not a tattoo. Mehndi leaves paste is used to put designs. This paste is sticky and wet while applying and once it dries up in around an hour, we remove the paste and apply some oil on our palms. After a few hours then, beautiful dark blackish red colored design is there on the palm which stays for almost 15 days.
Thanks for visiting my entry. Say Hi to your wife.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely shots, vivid colors, beautiful symmetry and comforting words. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for those special comments, Judy. I hope you are faring well with this serious winter weather in the northeast. It’s cold in Iowa but no significant snow presently.
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures. And one of my favorite Scriptures!!
LikeLike
Thank you, Kirsten. One of mine, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Symmetry: The Making Of | My Atheist Blog