Kiss of Christ

When, within our souls and psyches

we are made aware of a safe but insistent drum beat,

repeated like butterfly wings in motion,

we sense the message…

that our inner self has begun its search for freedom.

Mary Meeker

The butterfly is a symbol of rebirth and freedom, and we sometimes forget the struggle it went through as a caterpillar prior to its flight.  There always seems to be a struggle that when endured, beauty is revealed.  According to Richard Bach, "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly."

Standing in front of the church I had once attended with three little kids in tow, I was sharing a quick moment with an 80 year old woman who I viewed as a wise woman or sage.   Out of no where came a butterfly gracefully dancing around us and settling on my face.  My elderly friend immediately responded, "You have been kissed by Christ!"  Surely I had heard Christ referenced to butterflies before, but this was the very first time I felt deep meaning existing within this beautiful creature called a butterfly. 

From that day forward, I have truly loved all butterflies in all of their varying shapes and colors.  I sense their joy in newly found freedom, and admire the grace of their gentle flight.  So gentleness and freedom come first to my mind until this beautiful creature lands on me.  It is then I humbly embrace the "kiss of Christ" and the  reality of rebirth transforms me.

With Eyes Open

Can miles truly separate you from friends ...

If you want to be with someone you love,

aren't you already there?

Richard Bach



Today is one of those odd days where I feel unsettled inside of myself.  I woke up with some unknown emotion stirring within me, down in my belly.  I have a long list of things I would like to accomplish, but already I feel time slipping through my fingers.

I slept deeply, waking with a dream freshly imprinted upon my mind.  I was surrounded by friends as I recognized specific voices, but I could not open my eyes.  I desperately tried to lift my eyelids open, but to no avail.  I attempted to get them half-way open, but they were just too heavy.

I am left to ponder the meaning.  What am I not willing to see?  Why am I avoiding what is before me?  How can I embrace what is presented before me?

Journaling in search of answers, I discover my desire to control.  I see others at soul level and forget they are human as well.  I long for others to be in a joyful space of understanding the Divine and it is challenging for me to watch and not interfere.  Not wanting to turn away, perhaps I close my eyes.

As a parent, it was heart breaking, but necessary to stand back and watch a child struggle as they made their way along life's challenging path.  It is also difficult to observe friends learning their lessons.  I must be reminded, however, it is ego that gives me the false impression of having answers.  I am not called to interfere with someone else's path.  I do not need to resolve nor rescue any one.  I am simply expected to be present.

We must find our own unique way. With eyes open, we can be present for those around us, offering nothing but love, energy, and light.  By opening our hearts to each other without judgment or attempts to control, we simply remain present to witness each other's passage along life's mysterious way.