Sunday, April 4, 2010

Our Butterfly Story

Easter Sunday has special significance to me. In just a few days I will celebrate my Al-Anon birthday, when I mark the day I found my way into this program.

That my Al-Anon birthday falls in this season of rebirth and resurrection is not lost on me. Nothing in my life has changed me more.

That said, I can find no better story to tell on Easter than that of "Our Butterfly Story."

The following excerpt comes from a piece I read aloud with my sponsor at the completion of my fifth step. After I read it, my sponsor presented me with a gift of a butterfly necklace to symbolize my spiritual rebirth. I wear it today as a reminder.

Our Butterfly Story

"... We in AA and Al-Anon have much in common with the butterfly, and many use it as a symbol. There are many reasons for this. Long before the time of Christ, the butterfly was a symbol of resurrection and eternal life. Most of us feel that in the program, we have found "new life" indeed... and the butterfly is a visual aid to remind us tat we no longer think, feel or act as we once did. We were trapped in a cocoon of darkness, and have wrestled our way into the sunlight. The butterfly denotes both gaiety and happiness--chasing after them is fruitless for like the butterfly, they flit away. But if we become still and "at one' with God, sometimes one will light upon our shoulder...

"...The butterfly is on earth a very short time, but it spends its time flying from flower to flower, taking pollen from one and giving it to the other, making sure that each shares life with the other... and seeking to make the world more beautiful after it is gone than when it came... that's what you and I are trying to do..."

May your heart be transformed, and your life filled with beauty.

Happy Easter.

13 comments:

  1. This is beautiful. I would like to take out a full page ad in every newspaper in the world with this on the page. Working the steps with my sponsor is one of the best things in my life and I am blessed to meet people like you who work toward being healthy and sharing with others. Hugs to you, Kathy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a wonderful story for this beautiful day of spiritual rebirth.

    ♥namaste♥

    ReplyDelete
  3. great story...and love that your al-anon birthday falls around this time...it's perfect. Take gentle care Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have never heard this story beautiful!! For some reason it made me think of my mom who only live on this earth for a short time!!

    Happy Al-anon Birthday!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Butterflies, Easter, and the program. Three of the most wonderful things I've ever experienced.

    Happy Easter and almost Birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can relate so much. I remember years ago when I sought the deeors of Al Anon. I was living in Marbella Spain and my Spanish wasnt that great then and I found and English speaking Al Anon group, twice going there and not daring to walk into it. How should I ever share with strangers that my life had become such a mess? The third time around I went in and arrived home. Mill of hugs to this beautiful butterfly. Paula xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. This was a beautiful post. The butterfly has been in my thoughts now for several days. I wonder about this as I read your post. As spring swoops in and the earth emerges...this post brings for me a thought into all of the unexpected ways I see God! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just beautiful. Thank you for that and enjoy your Anniversary!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful :) I have always loved butterflies!

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kathy, thank you for the wonderful story. Blessings to you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. that's beautiful~ i've never heard that before. thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. what a wonderful post, Kathy. thank you.

    ReplyDelete