It is said a few smile lines and age marks are signs of a well lived life. Life shows us not every day is a bed of Roses – but, remember, Roses do have their thorns. We do get tumbled and tossed about in the winds of this world. We show the signs. But, like this featured Tiger Swallowtail, behold the beauty. Look closely. This butterfly has evidence of some serious wear and tear. But it will go on. It remains beautiful. It will continue the flight until its last flutter. Yes, life does this to us. But we should celebrate the day, the joy found in moments and know that we are beautiful. And we can remain the beautiful creation we are ’til our last flutter. (OK, I’m not thinking any of us will flutter in our final moments on this Earth. That would be a bit odd.)
Swallowtails
I keep a few thistle in the pasture for the butterflies and insects to enjoy. Everything from Bumble Bees to miscellaneous beetles to the Swallowtails – both Tiger and Black. They all feed on the Thistle flowers. And let’s not forget the Honey Bees. They need our protection and support. But let’s look at the Swallowtails. I have several images of Black Swallowtails in my Butterflies and Moths Gallery. Check it out! Questions about them? Contact me. I will also be including in the Gallery the Tiger Swallowtail included in this blog posting.
Some folks think every photo should contain perfect and unblemished subject matter – and great if it does – but is that really how life looks? So often is the case the worn and tattered tell a far more engaging story. Just take a look at a recent photo of Keith Richards. There’s a face that tells a story!
If faces could talk. What? Don’t they!?! Photo Credit to GQ
Let’s take a look at that Black Swallowtail. It is fresh to this world and virtually unscathed. Still, showing some scuffs from the thistle prickles. But, life does this. It’s OK to get some scuffs on our journey. This butterfly will get scuffed, but it will live life to the fullest!
Life does this – be thankful life leaves its marks
Scuffs are your proof of having lived a full life. Not necessarily a perfect life, but just go back and behold the beauty of the featured Tiger Swallowtail! Tattered but still living life to the fullest. That’s right! Just look at all the memories one collects from life. What’s a few chinks in the armor, in the Greater scheme of things. And remember this, from Anne Frank, some of our best days may still lie ahead of us!
But for the grace of God, there am I
I’ve worked in facilities that treated chemical addiction and mental health conditions. I also worked at a Minnesota Veterans Home. I’ve seen the depths of despair in lives. I remember the faces and the pain. I remember holding the hand of a dying Vet and praying with him. Some very sad, but beautiful, memories.
But there is hope! There IS hope! There is hope for each of us regardless how much we’ve been tossed about. As I would share with some of these down trodden individuals, don’t give up five seconds before the miracle.
Yes, I’ve known people on the bottom rung in life. And I think to myself, but for the Grace of God there am I. Let’s be thankful for every little scrap of joy that passes our way. Every bit of good fortune. Reach out and grab it, cling to it, cherish it. Celebrate the moment. Embrace the Blessings. We have so much to be thankful for. And it’s a New Year! Who knows what’s in store. Many great things is my hope. I hope it is yours as well. Believe this, we will never be given more than we can handle. And handling whatever it is makes us stronger and more beautiful.
Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.
A great song about hope that comes to mind is by R.E.M., Everybody Hurts. If you are hurting, have a listen. Powerful song. If you don’t want to listen, the lyrics are also included below to read. If you don’t want to read the lyrics, scroll down.
Here are the lyrics:
Everybody Hurts
Song by R.E.M.
When your day is long
And the night, the night is yours alone
When you’re sure you’ve had enough
Of this life, well hang on
Don’t let yourself go
‘Cause everybody cries
Everybody hurts sometimes
Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it’s time to sing along
When your day is night alone (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go (hold on)
If you think you’ve had too much
Of this life, well hang on
‘Cause everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts
Don’t throw your hand, oh no
Don’t throw your hand
If you feel like you’re alone
No, no, no, you are not alone
If you’re on your own in this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you’ve had too much
Of this life to hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
Everybody hurts, sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes
So hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Mills / Berry / Buck / Stipe
Everybody Hurts lyrics © Night Garden Music
It’s OK life does this
Be proud of your smile lines, your age lines. Show them off, don’t try to hide them. They are part of what makes a beautiful person interesting and engaging. We’re not expected to be perfect. We live life, we show life’s wear and tear. And remember this: Everybody hurts sometimes. It’s OK to hurt as it makes the joys in life so much sweeter. I have so many thoughts swirling in my head right now but all I can say is this. Peace to you.
