The Butterfly & Barabbas

I learned something today that might be worth sharing. I mentioned my Barabbas last week, the person who keeps disappointing me and how I had determined to let him go. I made a promise to myself that I was really done with the pettiness. With God's help, I have kept that promise. I'm not taking the bait of nasty e-mails or allowing myself the nasty little pleasure of repeating my latest problem with the person. I don't know that I like him any better but I know I like myself better. I know what to expect and I accept it as all he can give. What a relief.

Today the Lord used the situation to show me something I hadn't been able to see through my lens of frustration and intolerance. Yes, this person's behavior makes my life harder in many ways. I have to take up some slack, I have to let words slip by without response and sometimes when there's a perfect opportunity to do otherwise; I actually protect him by not exposing what he really is. And how is any of this good? I am learning to be good. I am better from the lessons he has forced on me. If I am going to please God I have to let Christ take the larger portion of my reactions. I think that's why I like myself better. The more of Jesus I see in the mirror the prettier I am.

So thank you, Barabbas. Had you been all that I wished you were I could've easily remained stagnant. You would not have forced me to grow spiritually. I wouldn't have had to become more like Jesus to deal with you. And really, isn't anything that makes us more like Jesus a wonderful thing?

That is what I learned today as I found myself sitting peacefully in the presence of rude words and belittling conversation. Truly and deeply peaceful I learned that if God has decided to create a butterfly, a butterfly will indeed stretch her wings. And if I choose to remain within my cocoon of flesh, someone else will do the flying even if it is only to fly away from me.

Isn't God good?

Romans 8:20-21

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.