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| 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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