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| July 2009 |
| Billie Silvey |
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| TRANSFORMATION |
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| Many insects go through metamorphosis, a major change or transformation, in the course of their lives. There are two types of metamorphoses: In hemimetabolism, the larva simply grows larger, shedding its exoskeletan as it grows. Younger forms basically look like smaller versions of their adult selves. It is known as simple or incomplete metamorphosis. In holometabolism, larvae and adults look very different, with the larva entering a pupa or chrysalis stage before emerging as an adult. This is known as complete or complex metamorphosis. Only a few cells of the larva's body are left inside the chrysalis to grow into the adult. Holometabolism can be illustrated by the monarch butterfly (above). It begins with an egg (upper left), which hatches into a caterpillar (next two photos, left). The full-sized caterpillar enters a chrysalis (lower three photos) before exiting as a crumpled-winged adult (two photos right). Fluid in the veins hardens, supporting the wings of the fully formed adult (center), a beautiful monarch butterfly. Human beings are similar. We don't want to grow up into larger versions of babies--crying and demanding our own way. We long to be adults, with the privileges and powers that implies. However, as adults, most of us come to realize that adulthood is not all it's cracked up to be. The privileges are balanced by responsibilities and the powers are diminished, because there's always someone who has power over us. As we grow older, we long for more. Christian scripture speaks of this longing. "We ourselves . . . groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:23). Part of this change, we can impact. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Part of it, like the stages of a butterfly, just happen. "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Part of it doesn't even happen until we pass through an inert stage. "For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." (1 Corinthains 15:52). Living in our current, half-way state, our bodies crawl like caterpillars through life, but our souls look up in anticipation of soaring like butterflies. As the old spiritual puts it, "I'll fly away, I'll fly away. When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I'll fly away." |