Article September 23, 2019 Issue

An open door to healing

Marilyn Wickstrom

I had been trying in every way to free a butterfly from the top panel of our screen enclosure, but it steadfastly clung to its chosen spot on the screen. Perhaps it instinctively felt that this was the place closest to freedom, but in fact, its escape was only possible through the open door—if only I could figure out a way to get it there!

In desperation I sprinkled sugar on the tip of a broom and lifted the broom up to the beautiful creature. The sugar accomplished my goal, as the butterfly climbed onto the sweet-coated strands. Slowly I lowered the broom to the open door and watched the orange and black wings flutter and rise into the bright blue summer sky. Joy filled my heart as I watched the delicate insect fly into the open air and disappear.

How many times in my life, I asked myself, had I stubbornly clung to an idea I’d decided was the right course of action? How many times had I refused to listen to anyone who wanted to help me see things differently, maintaining instead an obstinate attitude that was keeping me confined in a mental cage?

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