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Life Notes: Caterpillars and Butterflies - Aid available for life's problemsby Erin Rockett, NCC, LPC, LMFT Recently a coworker shared a thought-provoking devotional during a Wednesday morning meeting. He described humankind as two types of individuals: those who illuminate their surroundings (fireflies), and those who drained the energy of others (black holes). After giving this devotional some thought, I concluded that the analogy could also be applied to others using the metaphor of caterpillars and butterflies. Caterpillars, like children, enter the world with great potential. They devour the nourishment and growth experiences provided by parents and the environment, and after a period of cocooning and hibernation, emerge into the world as adult butterflies, a delight to behold, and a source of inspiration and imagination for family, artists and poets alike. Children, too, require an overwhelming commitment of time, energy, financial and emotional resources. With adequate provision of basic needs, and appropriate structure balanced with enrichment activities, children emerge after the storms of adolescence to take flight as beautiful, energetic young people who are ready to shine in society. Sometimes on this journey problems develop, and young people arrive at the age of adulthood without the necessary emotional resources to contribute to responsibilities and family. They, like the caterpillar, continue to devour relationships, resources, and detract from community life rather than contribute. The good news is that unlike the caterpillar, most people maintain the potential to emerge from life's problems as butterflies, with help from family, friends, and professionals. Many sources of personal and vocational assistance are available through state, church, and non-profit based organizations. If you recognize that someone in your life path is struggling, encourage them by directing them to the assistance which is available in our area. A beautiful life may emerge as a result of your unselfish gesture. Life Notes: Complete List 2004 2003 The Life Notes articles are written by staff of Louisiana Methodist Children's Home and are published in The Ruston Daily Leader. | |||
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