Butterflies

Butterflies are a symbol of Resurrection and just right for Eastertide. One of the things I do when we do a child dedication is to walk the little one around the church to introduce them to the congregation after the ritual of blessing. So I knew people would be seeing a lot of the back of my head — not that they noticed with that adorable baby around!

This kind of thing can get really precious and twee on an old lady like me (or anyone, to be honest with you), so use your own judgment. I got these butterflies on Etsy. They’re made of paper and they’re just green – no glitter, no pinky rainbows. Just green. I love them. So call me twee! I’m twee!

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Now to the beach with the hound. I haven’t had a real day off in weeks so I’m stealing time where I can. And yes, I know I’m not setting a good example! Shush already!

4 Replies to “Butterflies”

  1. I love these – they land right in the middle of “I’ve made an effort here because this is an important occasion to this family and this worshipping community but I don’t want people going home saying ‘did you see the minister’s hair?’ because it’s not about me” territory. Although this territory has a huge name, it can be easy to miss!

  2. Lovely and “springy”.
    I love the idea of walking the baby around the congregation after you dedicate them. What a beautiful way to literally bring them into the congregational community of God. Can you tell me more about the mechanics of that and if you say any words of explanation before you do it?

  3. I’m coming to this from the perspective of a layperson who’s been reading your blog for years, and I have two thoughts. One, I don’t think the butterflies are twee. They seem joyful and hopeful and appropriate to the occasion.

    And two, it seems to me that taking a day off to spend time with lovely Max on the beach is a form of self-care, and my sense is that you value that very much. So good for you!

  4. My ordination stole has hand embroidered British butterflies on a plain cream background, and the one I designed for my 10th anniversary has a butterfly on it as well as part of the overall design.)
    They really are symbols of Resurrection and hope and new life!

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