Two butterflies

Anna and I spot butterflies occasionally in the garden where the lantana flowers bloom. But we spotted two of them for a long period today. With Daphney chasing them, it took some efforts to photograph them. 

We noticed something interesting about them. They were both determined to return to the flowers in spite of provocation from Daphney. They surpassed Daphney's tricks.

Even the butterflies have skills to withstand hostility in the environment. 

We were taken back by by the ease with which they stayed on in the garden fluttering over flowers.

We felt introduced to another meaning of freedom through this experience. Freedom is not hindered by what may happen all around us. It is an inner state of hope, perseverance and resilience.

Some people are never free even if they have nothing hostile or fear creating around them. They are prisoners of inner fear or anxiety or their past or future.

I sense through my meetings with families every week, that many among them have settled to live reduced lives without sensing the fullness of life, or the opportunities at their door step. But some have triumphed over intimidating circumstances.

There is freedom only when we can live above the constraints of the environment.  

A working mother said that her husband has been battering her for thirty years after alcohol consumption but she remained faithful and formed a fellowship and support assistance for battered women. She averted divorce, suicide and disaster for children. 

I asked her, how it was possible! With tears, in her eyes, she told me in a sober but affirming voice that she kept reciting in her heart a Bible verse she learnt in Sunday School, 'The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want'. Her strength came from this enabling reality of an ever present God, whose love in her life made her a forgiving and reconciling person.

Her husband is currently undergoing de-addiction therapy in the hospital and is already in touch with Alcoholics Anonymous.

These butter flies brought these thoughts of encouragements to our soul.

Aswathy and Anandit are with us during this week end. That brings another wave of encouragement.

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)