by Mary Todd

Earlier this week, I saw the first little green caterpillar of the season. I watched it for a bit as it inched its way along a blade of grass. I thought of its life cycle and how in a few weeks it would be a butterfly. That set me off on a whole other train of thought….  Why did God create caterpillars to turn into butterflies? Both creatures are pretty nifty; Why can’t we have them both as independent creations? I’m sure there is a reason – a very good reason that would alter our entire planet. Nature sure can make you think though. Like, why are there some 200+ breeds of dogs? Why didn’t God just create one kind of dog, one type of cat, chicken, horse, goat, bird, tree, flower,  etc?

No doubt, people have debated such issues throughout the centuries. I bet it makes God laugh. He knows the entire plan all the way to the end, and He knows what would happen if nature were altered in any way. For those who may doubt, look at the honey bee. Their numbers have declined in recent years, and scientists are scrambling to find (and stop) the cause. Without honey bees, agriculture is doomed. With no crops, mankind cannot survive. Just take away the little honey bee, and we all croak. No doubt, flies and snakes and spiders and mice and mosquitoes are all important as well.

Back to the little caterpillar. As with most things in nature, he offers us a wonderful spiritual testament and lesson. There are 3 stages in his life. We are reminded of the Trinity. The transformation from “bug to butterfly” is extraordinary. We are reminded of how we are changed completely when we are saved. The third lesson (my favorite) is one of encouragement and faith. With God, All things are possible. What better way to illustrate that truth than with caterpillars and butterflies.