I have been inspired a lot by nature recently. Those of you who use facebook may have seen some of my bug pictures! The truth is, I find God often brings insights to me through observing the ways of the natural world. There is so much truth to be gleaned from his creation about his ways, his character and his purposes and often I really need the help of a physical metaphor to help me understand.
This has happened recently with regard to some hard things one of our kids has been going through. It's not been easy for them and not easy for me to watch either. But God has been reminding me of his purposes through observing the lives of the insect nymphs I've been finding in the bushes.
Grasshopper nymph in our back garden, Chiangmai
Did you know that grasshoppers typically molt about 5 times in their growth from nymph to adulthood? Each transformation involves the shedding of their protective
exoskeleton and a temporary vulnerability as the new skin grows and hardens
around them. The same is true for dragonflies (and many other insects) who molt up to 12 times and only grow their glorious wings after their very last molting.
Molted grasshopper exoskeleton, Doi Suthep
It has greatly encouraged me to reflect on these creatures as a
picture for my kids and for myself. I like the idea that the exposed
uncomfortable stage gives room for further growth. I see wisdom in how sometimes
old skin just needs to be shed completely so that the new skin can be put on
freely without the influence of the old lines and curves.
“You were taught . . to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4: 22-24
I’m not sure whether insects feel fear and emotion as we do, but I can imagine that molting isn’t a particularly fun experience! No doubt, instinct tells the nymphs to hide and find a safe place as they lose the protection and security of their outer skin. I read recently that many insects don’t eat and have faltered breathing during their molting which usually takes between 8 and 10 hours. There’s nothing I can think of that is more vulnerable than losing your whole outer layer but in His wisdom, God ordained that this would be their path to maturity and finally the freedom of fully formed wings!
Spotted Grasshopper nymph with wings still not fully formed, Doi Suthep
I am also aware that in this parable, we are all still juvenile nymphs struggling through seasons of uncomfortable change. My kids will not be free of exposed vulnerable times when they hit adulthood and I am not there yet either. I can look back and recognize seasons of intense upheaval, confusion and vulnerability in my own life and with the gift of hindsight, I can see some of the new skin that I put on in those times. There will no doubt be more to come too and I hope that then I will remember the nymphs and be able to hold on for the ride. Ultimately our final new skin is coming one day, and the "wings" will be even more glorious than the grasshopper's or the dragonfly's!
Scarlet skimmer dragonfly, wings in the sun, Sri Lanna National Park
