< ordinary miracle >

Welcome to the world, Nashville...

I could see that Nashville's chrysalis was turning transparent yesterday... we could see the black of his wings, as well as the yellow spots. I knew it wouldn't be much longer, but I didn't anticipate his emergence during our bedtime routine. We went upstairs at 7:00pm, and when I came back to the kitchen at 7:30 pm, Nashville was out and his wings were almost fully extended. I ran outside to get him a larger stick to perch on so that he could hang upside down for a couple of hours while his wings hardened. I immediately went back upstairs and got Jacob, not wanting him to miss our little miracle.

I went for a jog with Melynda, and when I came back inside I found an empty jar. Guess who had pushed through the small hole in the foil on top of his jar?? He was flying all over the kitchen... as if he was having the most delightful time. =)
I woke Joe up and he helped me put Nashville back in his jar. I didn't want to release him without Jacob having had the chance to see him fly. So we put cheesecloth over the top of the jar and he stayed put overnight.

We loaded Nashville up in the car in search for a place to release him before school this morning. Jacob found the perfect place... the little garden in front of his school. We walked towards the garden and Jacob said, "Oh, it's the perfect place to let Nashville go... it's a butterfly garden. Look, he already has a friend here!" (this one pictured below)
And here is our special friend Nashville, in all of his beauty... free to spread his wings and fly - just as God intended.

The timing and symbolism of this event are by no means a coincidence. It's amazing to me the very unique and specific way my Father has chosen to reach out to me at this particular time in my life. He knows everything about me – my fears, my excitement, my reservation, my joy. He has graciously entrusted me as the caretaker and witness to my own little miracle. Butterflies weren't made to be stored safely in glass jars. He created them to fly out in this great big world for all to see the majesty of His creation. He has shown me that it's okay to let go... that's when the fullness of His glory is revealed.

Spread your wings and fly, my sweet boy...