Sunday, March 16, 2008

Glass-Wing Butterfly ... and Me


I was , some while ago, given the gift of a group of photographs, of a butterfly. “Not so remarkable.” you might say. But my, oh my, you would be so very wrong My Friend. For, you see, this particular butterfly is devoid of any colorful markings. No spectacular hues adorn its wings atall.

For this creature is blessed with transparent wings. That’s right! His (or her … as the case may well be) wings are outlined with the barest of borders giving just a brief splash of decoration in the form of a small white feathery-looking mark against a brown background that forms the exterior edge of each wing. Just enough to remind one of the intricacy of Life’s design capabilities while not detracting from the lace-like frame-work supporting the entirety of the wing. Thusly, this creature highlights the beauty of every surface upon which it settles (including the fingertip holding it in one of the photos.)

None of the vibrant colors of the garden in which this marvel of nature travels is obscured by its presence… only highlighted. And that Voice within me speaks in response. “
This is you… in your world.” And I am immediately and clearly mindful of the significance of the message illustrated by the butterfly. For this is, indeed, my place in my world. To go about seeing to the needs of the blossoms and blooms in this, my personal corner of Life’s garden. And to do so ... as I am placed and impressed to do ... and in the order and method appropriate to each set of particular requirements ... for that Individual’s healthy development and growth. All the while to maintain a transparency that permit’s the showing forth of each Creation’s glory and excellence by maintaining personal obscurity.

To those who do take a passing notice of me, it is my place to present only a sufficient framework of evident design necessary to reinforce the understanding of the perfect symmetry and form of Life’s constant control and timing. Mine is not to be the resplendent bouquet of the totality of the garden… but to transparently see to my minuscule contribution for the betterment of those with whom I have occasion to make contact. And how I do savour my role!

Yes… all of this from the image of a butterfly. I am so glad when I remember that there is a wealth of insight … just waiting for discovery by all who will simply agree to “
Be still and know …

49 comments:

Cath said...

Mornin' JDM!
We seem to be on a nature track today. I justed posted mine - come see!
Those butterflies are beautiful. I love butterflies and have never seen a transparent one. I used to know loads of them as a child, but I forget all but the common ones (to my area) now.

Beautiful pictures (I snuck a look at them on an earlier post too whilst trawling and lurking last night...) I'm caught! [grin]

Don't forget I love you.
(As do half of Blogland for your insights and wisdom into the beauty around us.)

John-Michael said...

I love you, my Gift from heaven. I just enjoyed your new post and commented. Wonderful presentation!

I am so glad that we have this medium to have as our "Family Table" around which we can gather and share.

The love that we share, Dear Cath-Daughter, is precious to me.

tanya m said...

I have been wanting to see one of these for some time now. Thank you.

Gives new meaning to the phrase, "I can see right through you".

John-Michael said...

Yes indeed, it does, Tati. Glad that You liked it.

Sam Fox said...

What dainty creatures! Thanks so much for sharing with us!

John-Michael said...

Tis, indeed, my pleasure, Cowgirl

Anonymous said...

I'd never seen one of these (or knew they existed). How wonderfully magical!

david mcmahon said...

I have never seen a butterfly like this. Thank you for a memorable post. And I love the way you pay tribute to Nature and the Creator.

Anonymous said...

That butterfly is very unique and gorgeous. I like how you can make nature transition into daily life.

John-Michael said...

Aren't they just far too cool, Seamus?! I was blown away when my friend sent the photos to me. Stunned and awestruck. This Creation that we Creatures share is a continual marvel. And then Life whispered a personal note through the beauty ... well! ...

John-Michael said...

How could I possibly not bow in tribute to the One who does such a wonder, David? I live in constant admiration of Life's continual revealing of new mysteries. Sure makes living fun!

John-Michael said...

Don't you agree that it is so often true, that "Less is More", FXSmom? I am frequently reminded to "Be still and know " ... and more and more of the completeness of Life's perfect fabric becomes evident. Thank you for reinforcing that truth.

Misty DawnS said...

Oh what a rush it would be to see that butterfly (or flutterby) and have the opportunity to photograph it!

In the summer, my husband comments to me "After seeing so many butterfly or dragonfly shots, they get boring", but I disagree... it is such a rush for me when one of these small and beautiful creatures pauses long enough to allow me to capture it's beauty in a photograph. For me, it is on overwhelming and indescribable feeling.

John-Michael said...

You just gave me a spirit-giggle Misty. To provide something that gives a moment's pleasure to someone whose creations give me such continual delight, makes me happy, indeed.

Anonymous said...

John-Michael, this was the perfect Sunday post. A sermon from nature to remind us that here on earth we are the heart and hands of God. You represent Him well in every post and comment.

John-Michael said...

I thank you quilly, for your generous kindness.

Life provides the "sermon." I merely bow to it and acknowledge its beauty.

NAMASTE

stephanie said...

Beyond words, these beauties. And so nicely connected to your own self.

John-Michael said...

They are wonderful creatures, aren't they,Stephanie. I am glad that I lingered and listened long enough to allow Dear Muse to show me the connection.

Jo said...

What a beautiful post. And it can apply so well to anyone who seems to be devoid of color, but really is not!

Jamie Dawn said...

What an amazingly beautiful butterfly!
Your post is lovely, as well.
We all play our part in the garden of life. It's wonderful to see the beauty in each other and in the wonders of creation.
Thanks for visiting my blog.

John-Michael said...

I certainly could not offer a better summary of my thought, Josie. Thank you for visiting.

John-Michael said...

You and I are in complete agreement, Jamie Dawn. I thank you for your kind thought. And visiting your blog was entirely my pleasure.

Kissing of the Frogs said...

John,
Wow, I've never seen such a butterfly. They are truly wonderous!
Hugs,
Rose

PS - Come on over to I've got an award for you.

John-Michael said...

Ah, Rose, my Precious! My day was SO in need of a hug from you. .... (pause to enjoy) .... Thank you Sweet One!

(an award?! never before ... I'm on my way!)

RiverPoet said...

What a lovely post, John-Michael, and what a great reminder that we don't have to be the one creating a splash to make a difference.

Peace - D

John-Michael said...

You said it so well, Momma,. And I am grateful for your kindness in visiting and sharing your perspective.

jillie said...

Those are absolutely stunning pictures of the butterflies. I have never seen or even heard of a butterfly like that.

I found you on David's blog.

Have a great day ;o)

John-Michael said...

A response to your comment would have been a very easy thing to do, jillie ... but I went to your blog and learned of your loving concern for Cay first. And now I am stilled and quieted with my new awareness of a loving Soul who I knew nothing of just a moment prior.

So, Dear jillie, I presume to offer a gift of "There is No Death" which is a post containing a poetic thought that I can only hope will be of benefit to You, to Robert, and to Cay.

With my gratitude and thanks to you for your gift, to me, of your visit.

Suldog said...

Wow. That is a wonderful thing! I've never before seen a butterfly like that. And I really like butterflies (or 'flutter-byes', as a friend liked to call them) a lot. Even better, I love how it just landed on a finger, no apparent care or fright. Just wonderful, the whole thing.

John-Michael said...

You know, Jim, my SulDog friend ... whenever I can do something that brings pleasure to someone who I love and appreciate, it tickles me to pieces. Your enjoyment of this bit of thought, and Nature's wonder, has given me just such a satisfaction.

Daryl said...

john-michael .. that was/is awesome!

david sent me!

Jules~ said...

Dear John Michael, this is an amazing gift and post. What a blessing to have received such pictures. I had no idea that such a beautiful type of butterfly existed. The symbolism of transparency is more breath taking than any splash of color.

I have missed being able to sit and share thoughts with you these past few days. Please know that I am not ignoring you. Your posts are always so filled with thought and heart that I want to be sure to devote my own real heart time to reading instead of scanning. The past several days have just been a bit too fast paced.

...my small olive branch for the day.

Have a blessed day.

Anonymous said...

Nature is indeed a beautiful existence. The intricate detail of the butterfly is a symbol of our freedom, the way we wish our lives to progress.

Delightful photographs and fascinating creatures.

Crystal xx

Vi said...

So simple, but yet so beautiful.

Akelamalu said...

I didn't know transparent butterflies existed - they're beautiful! Thankyou for sharing these and for dropping by my blog and taking the time to comment. :)

Hilary said...

What a beautiful creature, and your awe even more beautifully expressed

aims said...

Oh my - aren't these absolutely beautiful!

Thank you!

John-Michael said...

That you ambled over from David's place is a nice thing,Daryl E. Any friend of his is always appreciated. And your liking what you found whilst here makes me happy as well.

John-Michael said...

Don't you jusu adore the way that Life continues to surprise us with new revelations, Jules~? Being able to share such a treat makes it even more special to me. And I think that our 'olive branch' [smile] would be a nice place for such a butterfly to rest for a spell, as well.

John-Michael said...

There ... see! You allowed your Self to hear Life's individual message in those images too, didn't you Crystal? I do like to hear your inspired insights!

John-Michael said...

Kinda like Friendship, doncha think Vi? So simple (if we will but accept its simplicity) ... yet so priceless and intricate in beauty and worth!

John-Michael said...

David is a guide whose leading I am always happily confident in Akelamalu. So my discovering a gem where he pointed is a pleasant expectation. I am glad that you found something to your liking here.

John-Michael said...

Had that butterfly lit next to your eyes, My lovely Hilary, I fear that I would have missed it entirely. [smile] I am happy that the awe that I feel, over that tiny masterpiece of Life's handiwork, was heard by your receptive Spirit.

John-Michael said...

Why, Yes, I do believe that it is, indeed, as beautiful (in the absolute) as you say, aims. We are in happy agreement.

skinnylittleblonde said...

There is definitely something to be said for transparency, as Mother Nature, reminds us. I think this butterflies are native to only South America? Anyhoo, it's wild to think that so many butterflies have 'eyes' upon their wings that kind of look back at us & this little beauty allows us to see beyond.

Nicole P said...

Beautiful post John-Michael! I have never seen nor heard of a butterfly like this before!
Thanks for sharing!

John-Michael said...

I am happy to have my enjoyment of it multiplied by your enjoyment Nicole P, I am glad that you visited (and said hello)

nitebyrd said...

Many times it's the simplest thing that has the most beauty because it's whispering, not screaming, to you.

John-Michael said...

For me nitebyrd , the simplest of things are enjoyed as the most "gentle on my mind."

NAMASTE

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