The Boy, the Butterfly, and the Cobweb
There was once a newborn butterfly at rest, basking on a flower on a bright warm sunny day.
A young boy passing by noticed the beauty of this young butterfly. An ecstatic desire to catch it welled up in him as thoughts of showing it to his playmates would be a proud super deal indeed.
With these thoughts prevailing, he exhausted all efforts to grasp the butterfly as it escaped him.
The butterfly, in startled panic flew up and away and became entangled in a large abandoned cobweb.
Fear overwhelmed him into a state of emotional collapse. He imagined that the cobweb might become his death bed if he could not escape it. In addition the fear that the young boy might catch him would guarantee the end of him as well.
A mature butterfly of the same species flying in the same area, noticed the plight of the young butterfly and settled down beside it.
He spoke to it as follows: "I see you have become entangled pretty well in this old cobweb. I am going to help you free yourself from it so please listen. Calm down and trust me as I am older than you and I have encountered many a cobweb myself.
First--the cobweb is of no threat to you as the resident spider has moved away and abandoned it.
Second--the young boy that tried to catch you is now playing in the meadow up ahead with his pals. The boy and his friends had planned to meet in the meadow area where they frequently play.
Third--the boy meant no harm. He simply wanted to show you to his pals, then let you go.
Fourth--I notice you understand what I am saying and that you are nicely calmed. This pleases me. To free yourself apply a steady pressure on the cobweb and continue until the strands break enough to let you go."
These are your lessons to learn if and when you encounter cobwebs throughout your life.
One - Do not allow minor disappointments to compound into major distresses.
Two - Rushing to premature opinions could be dangerous to your emotions.
Three - Remember that skies are at their most beautiful after a storm has passed.
Fourth - Storms of all categories do not last very long at their worst.
Five - Recovering from despair is accomplished by taking small steps in the right direction.
Six - Finally, dedicate yourself to enjoy the clear skies of life. Welcome their warmth and comfort because they are in the embrace of God, who created all living things.
~ William Karanikas
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