Waiting out the rain

This is the time of year that my mind and spirit are in full spring mode. The month of April is often associated with rainy days. We are in Holy Week, the most sacred time of our liturgical year where we are about to experience the death and resurrection of Jesus. We have entered a 40-day Lenten period of transformation as we await the empty tomb on Sunday.

One of my favorite examples of transformation in nature is the butterfly. Having raised butterflies from tiny caterpillars, I’ve seen how quickly they grow from a tiny caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. It makes me think of Lent and how we enter the season that leads us to Easter with a sorrowful, reflective heart.

We come to the cross knowing we are sinners and humble ourselves with ashes. When the ashes are placed on our foreheads, we are told that we are from dust and that we will return to dust. When we enter Lent, the somber time is much like a rainy period where we not only rest, but also reflect on praying, fasting, and almsgiving.

These 40 days have given us the opportunity to grow closer to God and make changes in our life. We enter the season of Lent like a caterpillar ready to transform and find ourselves a butterfly fluttering by an empty tomb on Sunday.

There is a quote about butterflies that I have always loved. “Don’t chase butterflies. Build your garden. The butterflies will come.” Work on yourself to make your own heart the most hospitable garden you can, and the beauty will follow. The more we grow into the people God wants us to be, the closer we are to achieving beauty in His eyes.

Butterflies are a good reminder that spring is near, just like Easter Sunday. There is death and darkness. It is dark when a caterpillar is making its transformation; it isn’t pretty. We have to remind ourselves of the beauty that emerges when the darkness is no more. We have to cling to the hope of the empty tomb.

Butterflies rest when it rains because it damages their wings. Let us allow ourselves, too, the rest we need as we maintain our sights on the risen Lord. Good Friday is a sad day; it is a day known for rain and storms. It is OK to rest during storms while we wait for the rain to pass and put our hope in brighter days ahead.

Good Friday is a sad day indeed but never forget what waits for us on Sunday. The tomb will be empty, and the butterflies will fly again when the rain stops.

Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.