Does the caterpillar know
When she must build a cocoon?
Does she know that she
Will one day be transformed?
Even if she does not know
Her instinct tells her what to do:
Build this cage to protect yourself
It’ll make you beautiful.
This time in a caterpillar’s life
Is just seen as a stage
Something she must go through
So that life may go on.
There are times in our lives
Where walls must be built
To protect who we are already
And to give us a safe place to grow.
Do not be discouraged
When you feel trapped or held back.
God has a purpose for this time
You’ll understand when you’re through.
From my first trip to Peru in 2009, my life has been an almost constant adventure. Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Kansas, Montana, Minnesota, California, Nevada, Colorado… Traveling and experiencing new things is a passion of mine, so having a full time corporate job in Grand Rapids, MI doesn’t quite match up to my dreams. But, besides the fact that having this job is a necessary step to start paying off my loans, God has been using this time to begin building walls around me – walls of protection and growth. Walls that will allow me to be transformed and bring clarity to what God has for me, and who I am in Christ. I wrote this poem a few weeks ago while at work, and I think I said it perfectly. I’ll understand this time when I’m through.
Rachel Joy 