One of the most vivid memories from my childhood comes from the butterflies that filled our home. Plates, cups, pictures, clothes & jewelry. On pillows, on the wall, and even on the Christmas tree. They never stopped coming into our small, ranch home on that dirt road in lower Michigan. Our house may have been surrounded by cow pasture, but it was filled with butterflies.
My mom collected butterflies, and people gave them to her a lot. She definitely received them on birthdays, at Christmas and on Mother’s Day, but she also often received them on regular days too. Whenever friends and family saw a butterfly, they thought of my mom, and often bought and gave them to her for no special reason.
Now, over 25 years later, she still collects butterflies, and people still buy them for her on special and not-so-special days. I still think of her when I see a butterfly, especially the live ones as they flutter around my lilac bush. This is one reason why the butterfly graces my blog header.
The other reason a butterfly defines my platform is because butterflies represent a struggle to victory. They break out of a cocoon only after great struggle. Skip the struggle, and they die.
Today when I see a butterfly, I not only think of my mom, but I also think of how struggle brings victory. Really, the butterfly represents not only my past, but also my present and future as I focus on sharing the struggles and victories in my life with others.
DISCUSSION: What childhood memories endure to define you positively still today?
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@Vaderalman
Kari,
I think just growing up on a farm helped define me. It was hard work and we all had to work outside the farm and then take care of the farm on weekends and in the evenings. I know what it is to be without. As hard as it was I am glad I went through it. The discipline of work and having to wait getting stuff I wanted were good lessons. I appreciate the task master that hard work is and appreciate the blessings I have.
Kari Scare
My husband would agree completely with your comment, and I am reaping the benefits of hard work defining his childhood. Great application of my point in the post!
@Vaderalman
It was nice to learn what your blog header means to you.
Kari Scare
Thanks. It's not quite the way I want it yet but getting there.
Loren Pinilis
You know, I never thought about the symbolism of the butterfly graphic. Cool stuff.
I think my father instilled in me a good work ethic, and that's something that's stuck with me.
Kari Scare
Work ethic seems to be a pretty popular one. My husband definitely has it. I do too, but it's more mental than physical, if that makes sense. It's a terrific and important quality!
Mary McCauley
Hey Kari, just finally got a chance to read this! I love butterflies…I have them in my bathroom, on the curtains, shower curtain, and even painted directly on the wall,….the whole wall. a mural that matches the shower curtain….So whenever it is gloomy outside I have a sunny wall, sunshine in the corner, blue skies, green grass and buterflies, when I stand at the sink in the morning.
Butterflies also are a resurrection symbol…new birth….and an Alanon symbol…new life…freedom…those sort of things….
So thanks for sharing this! Thanks for reminding me it takes a struggle to become free, to become God's beautiful creations…free to be all He created us to be…God Bless.
Kari Scare
Butterflies are an awesome gift from God. They're kind of like rainbows in that we get so much truth about Him from them.
WSM
EXCELLENT.
Waka network
Butterflies are wonderful creatures that are beautiful and unique
Kari Scare
Yes, they are. Truly a beautiful work of God.