A Summer Snowball…
I got a gift a few weekends ago. A vase with a net on top containing a parsley plant. I accepted with feigned enthusiasm. But then they told me to look closer, a small caterpillar crawling around, munching on the leaves: a swallowtail caterpillar. It was a gift intended for the kids at the school. I took it into school with me that Monday and gave it to our Pre-school class to care for.
Snowball emerging from their crysalis
Many of God’s greatest truths can only begin to be explained by microcosms found in nature. This is why so many of Jesus’s parables are based on nature, so many of Paul’s lessons draw on it. From trees, animals, flowers, water, all of creation is filled with lessons, and all of scripture littered with these links. The transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly is one of these beautiful lessons we find in nature. It is a beautiful representation of transformation found in dying to oneself. Of stepping into new life. Moving from the earth to the Kingdom. The caterpillar never dies, but it ceases to be a caterpillar in order to become a butterfly. It is the same transformation that we are supposed to make every morning when we wake up, ceasing to be flesh in order to be led by Spirit.
One of the students observation books
Not only does this process have spiritual lessons, but it also has scientific lessons that can be taught. The students observed the caterpillar eating, getting bigger, creating its chrysalis, and finally emerging looking different. They drew pictures of the swallowtail in various stages, and when it came time to name their new friend, they took a vote. It was unanimous, this green caterpillar that would eventually emerge as a black and yellow butterfly was to be named “Snowball”. The students cared for and watched Snowball for weeks, until finally this week releasing Snowball into the wild. The best part is that Snowball didn’t move far away.
Our farmer Michelle has created a beautiful wildflower bed that is thriving with pollinators. Any giving morning you can walk out in front of our 26th Street greenhouse and count 40-50 pollinators buzzing around. All types of butterflies and bees. Gathering from the sunflowers and zinnias. The other morning I saw our new friend Snowball land on a zinnia. A beautiful addition to the family of monarchs who also enjoy the area. Just a walk across the street from a visit from his young friends. There was so much learning that came from our new friend. More than you would think could come from a summer Snowball.
Snowball on a zinnia across the street
Ethan Essex
Mighty Oak Supplies Lists!!!
The start of the school year is here. If you would like to support through purchasing supplies, it’s not too late. You can find those lists here:
Supply Wishlist: https://a.co/4IDGPaN
Snack List: https://a.co/g4DnQYr
Merriment Moving!!!
Merriment will be closed for the time being while we move to the Saint Cecilia Campus. If you would still like to make a donation, please call (502) 930-9006 to arrange a time to drop off.
Fish Fry Open!!!
The Fish Fry is OPEN! We look forward to seeing you so you can get your fix of fish, churched up tots, or whatever else is calling your name! Don’t forget to grab some fresh local produce when you stop by.
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.