Meaningful Reflections: Lessons from a butterfly expedition

By Kim Crawford Meeks
Spiritual Care Manager

One day this week I had the privilege of escorting a 3-year-old on a butterfly expedition. What does one do on a butterfly expedition? In the words of my 3-year-old friend, one wishes for it to just “get on my finger!”

We decided looking near flowers outside the hospital would be our first wilderness of exploration. We did not journey long until we found three butterflies! The fairy-like creatures fluttered, flew and danced in the wind from bloom to blossom. Unfortunately, none of our silky friends would rest on our fingers, but they certainly brought giggles of delight to a little girl as she waited on her mother, and a smile that is forever imprinted on my heart.

We should all follow in the example of our young friend and take the time to go on butterfly expeditions, and perhaps we just might find her same delight.

Where butterflies have been a whisper is spoken ever so softly

Fluttering delicately, I hear the gentle wings pounding my name

Flitter flutter pitter putter

Heartbeat thump, thump, thump

Sympathetically hugging my heart in my soul

Leading me boldly like a moth to the flame

Skipping to the dance of the butterfly

My heart does sing its happy little tune

Ever so strongly guiding and smiling, crying, and floating

Quite overwhelming, and confusing, but amusing in life’s game

Wuzzy fuzzy creepy crawly

Tiny feet weaving, turning and kicking

Throbbing intensely and feeling such emotion, as overwhelming as waves in the ocean

Such love and compassion, grace everlasting, and I have no more blame

Unshakeable unafraid unstoppable

Spinning, twirling, round and round

In the cocoon, struggling and screaming, yet rescued and resting

Where butterflies have been

New life begins

Quietly still, reborn as a butterfly

Leaping into the arms of mercy; no longer running from the sun

Into the wind chasing the breeze, floating and moving on wings of ease

Fastly glowing, slowly showing, compassion knowing

Flitter flutter pitter putter

Heartbeat thump, thump, thump.

Taking the time to look for butterflies, enjoy the breeze or admire the fall leaves is a great way to soak in peace and spend time breathing. It is very important for all of us to have time to be.

Please visit the Spiritual Care page of the USA website for resources on stress reduction and coping, including an artificial intelligence chatbot named “WYSA” that you may download on your phone. WYSA offers many exercises for coping with life. Other resources are also available on the page. Please feel free to share the link with friends.

Grace and Peace,

Chaplain Kim Crawford Meeks

Spiritual Care Manager, USA Health

251-445-9015

Patients, family members and USA Health associates are encouraged to call the Meaningful Reflections Line at 251-445-9016 for a daily recorded word of encouragement.