Do you know the story about the woman who had found a flask-shaped cocoon of an emperor moth? It had a narrow opening near the neck of the flask through which the insect forces its way out. The size of the opening does not seem to be wide enough to allow it to exit easily. This must be done with patience. To the onlooker it would seem a difficult process. One day the woman saw that the moth was now struggling to get out from its long confinement. Hours passed and it seemed unable to overcome its challenge. It could get so far and but no farther and it appeared to be exhausted. As an act of charity she took a scissor and cut just a few threads to help it. Immediately the moth crawled out with a swollen body but shriveled wings. She watched the rest of the day for the wings to strengthen. She longed to see it if flying free. It spent its short life span earth bound.
Have you ever felt you were in just such a confining situation? Or maybe someone you love appeared to be making a valiant effort to work through a problem but could only get so far? Sometimes stepping in with what we think is a perfectly good human solution does not really help them in their spiritual growth toward understanding their present perfection and divine Love's constant tender presence.
The Bible tells us "...let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4) There was a time when I prayed daily to express more patience. I had three children under the age of 5 and some days seemed to demand that. A dictionary definition helped me than and continues to help me now .... patience is expecting good calmly.
Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love." (p.66) On that same page she says "Trials are proofs of God's care." I uses to struggle with that idea until I saw the beauty of it. It wasn't what seemed to be a trial that was real, it was God's tender loving ever-presence, caring for us at all times and under all circumstances.
Impatience is not trusting that divine care. Not trusting God. Thinking there is something else present to harm us or restrict our progress or hold us back from expressing perfection.
Today I will go about my day rejoicing in my ability to express patience, to face any negative suggestions with courage, confidence and strength. My success is assured and learning these lessons allows me to soar and fly free. Like a beautiful emperor moth.
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