During this season of Easter, our church is working through a series of sermons using the metaphor of metamorphosis. Our visiting minister today described the chrysalis as a transformation chamber, which I find lovely and accurate.

When we go inside to stillness, something wonderous happens. When we pause and quiet ourselves, we are called to listen for the holy spirit, to be one with the divine. We are asked to shed our butt-scooting ways, turn inward, temporarily shut out the world we knew, and trust the process.

In the safety of a chrysalis, we can be with our true nature to live out our purpose. I like this metaphor. We can shed that which holds us back from the call that we know is right. We can let go of our limitations and believe in the possibility of transformation. Of course, we can’t spend weeks in darkness and physically change our shape. However, we can find moments to consider our destiny, to listen to the message.

We are not on earth to just munch through day after day. We have the ability to live lightly. The burdens we have endured have prepared us for this season of emergence. The storms of hardship and injustice have pelted us to near brokenness. Yet, we are still moving, breathing, existing. Despite our earthly bodies, we can embrace something more than the eyes can see.

It is my sacred tradition that allows me to believe in the holy possibility of living a life for a loving God. My faith is not an insurance policy practiced to guard against eternal hell or to shield me from earthly hardships. It is a guide to help me fulfill my purpose, my loving mission during my days. With hope, I unfurl my sticky wings, breath nutrients to strengthen them, and tentatively begin flight trusting the process of becoming.