Spiritually Speaking: No One Ever Mentions the Moth

Typically when we speak of transformation as a metaphor, writers and ministers alike will reference the butterfly. See how this green worm completely changes even its physical composition to become the butterfly! In this metaphor, we are invited to consider our own transformation and what would be required of us in the metamorphosis. In this version, change is seen as a difficult but rewarding process that leads to the beauty of the butterfly.

But transformation, or spiritual change, is not always so.

Consider the moth.

See how this brown worm completely changes even its physical composition to become the moth! Oh, this is significantly less inspiring of a metaphor when it ends in an insect whose claim to fame is the terrible smelling deterrent: moths balls. In this version, change is seen as a difficult and disappointing process that leads to a little-loved bug.

And let’s face it, while we are stretching the metaphor, you are far more statistically likely to be a moth than a butterfly. With 160,000 species of moths and a mere 15,000 species of butterflies, the odds for becoming the less-cherished insect are clear!

In truth we all change, even those of us who aspire not to change. For some, our lives are a constant evolution of ideas, spirit, and experience. We become more open, compassionate, and wise. For others, our lives are marked by a constant narrowing of ideas, spirit, and experience. We become more entrenched than ever and less able to respond to the world, more inclined to react to the world. Thankfully, unlike the genetic coding of the moth or butterfly, our destiny is not set at birth. The only constant is change.

Change is a given, but the path of transformation is ours to choose.

In some religious communities, transformation is presented as an instantaneous moment of “seeing the light.” When I was growing up and so many would speak of profound experiences of God literally speaking and calling to them, I always felt a little lost. My experience of God was so often subtle, diffusive, expansive and universal. I couldn’t point to moments when the heavens opened or a voice came down upon clouds. I could offer a clear insight of constant companionship or greater awareness of the sacred around me. To quote the singer song writer Peter Mayer, “everything is holy now.”

It is this gradual transformation to which I can relate.

So how do we become the butterfly and not the moth?

I think like the transformation process being subtle, it means an intentional effort at reflection, slowing down to notice the processes around as well as within and a clarity of destination. Fortunately, unlike the moth or butterfly, there are some choices we get in this transformation.

I hope you’ll join us in this May of transformation (our theme for the month) as we explore together how to become the butterflies, bringing beauty into the world where we can.

In faith and spirit,
Rev. Robin

Do good deeds anyway!

The theme for May is Transformation: Rev. Robin explains that “we don’t expect or insist upon a drastic transformation like the conversion experiences that are hallmarks for many other faith traditions.  But we uphold the free and responsible search alongside the hope of spiritual growth for us all.  How can we nurture this gradual transformation in our lives and keep all of us accountable to our spiritual paths?”

I say keep patiently working at it.

Robin is speaking of spiritual transformation. I see similar transformations being made all around me by many people doing good deeds that slowly transform the world for the better. This week, I started reading a book from our meeting house bookshelf entitled “Do It Anyway”

In 1939 when my Dad planted 6 inch tall cedars for a windbreak, the neighbors laughed and said “you will never live long enough to sit in the shade of those trees”. He planted them anyway. When Piedmont UU Church members campaigned against Amendment One, success was not assured but we did it anyway. Contributions made by charter members to Piedmont UU Church have taken 25 years to transform us into the church we are today. Now, many of us are sharing our talents and treasure to continue the transformations, often without fanfare and sometimes facing criticism, but we do it anyway.

In our current world, if a profit cannot be extracted or success achieved in the first few years, people say an investment is not worth it. Often those who do invest their time and money to change our society, our laws and our environment are ignored and laughed at. We do it anyway. Let us all keep transforming ourselves and our world by doing good anyway. Thank you all for the good that you do!

Karl