Be the Change
Monthly Column by Dr. Krista Driver

Each spring, Monarch butterflies migrate northward from Mexico to the United States. In their eight hundred mile journey, they can encounter winds of up to 50 miles per hour. Some die of exhaustion, others of starvation, but amazingly, most stay on course to complete the trip. In addition to using an internal compass to “monitor” the sun’s position and maintain a northerly direction, monarch butterflies “home in on the chemical odor of billions of fallen butterfly scales at Lepidoptera friendly rest stops en route.” And they “use traces of magnetite in their wings to direct magnetic charges in rocks.” [Outside (April 1998), p. 132 - “Death By Suburb”, David L. Goetz]

We (humans) have an internal compass of “knowing” right from wrong and a sense that there is a higher power. I believe every person has an instinctual knowledge of God’s existence. Even the atheist who denies the presence of God, must believe there is “something” (or someone) to deny. Therefore they aren’t truly “godless.” I digress...

From birth, we are all migrating through life. It is a process we all go through. On that journey, we encounter trials or “high winds.” Things happen that are outside of our control and everyone faces adversity at some point in their migration through life. Sometimes we give up because we are just too exhausted and lose hope. Sometimes we starve ourselves of truth and love. Then some people realize that if they keep flying and monitor the “Son’s” position in their lives, they will eventually reach their destination. What destination? United States? No. I’m referring to an eternal destination; Heaven.

It isn’t enough to simply “fly” through life. If that were the case, we could all be passive in our daily lives and not really have a need for God. It isn’t enough to simply “believe” in God or accept the free gift of eternal life. If that were the case we could just say the “sinner’s prayer” and float through the migration with no accountability.

The monarch butterfly, with all its magnificent beauty was once a caterpillar. If you’ve ever seen a caterpillar, they are not particularly “pretty.” They had to first go through a transformation before becoming a butterfly.

Drawing upon that analogy, we too must go through a transformation process ... transforming our thoughts, our behaviors and our beliefs. As it says in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” However, even that is not sufficient in and of itself.

To build up the endurance that is necessary to live a Christ centered life, we must make a daily habit of renewing our strength and participating in God’s will (which requires prayerful meditation for finding God’s will) and being obedient to that internal compass guided by the Son (Jesus).

I want to be one of the monarch butterflies who stays on course and completes the migration process and reaches the destination - Heaven. I don’t just want to reach the destination. I want to conclude my journey with grace and strength and ideally with billions of other monarchs...

Are you ready to take flight? Are you willing to go the distance? Are you ready to make the transformations necessary for this journey? We will face high winds ... yet there are friendly rest stops along the way. He always provides us rest and He always guides us. We simply use the internal compass, home in on the chemical odor of those that have gone before us (i.e. study and learn from mentors, pastors, teachers and etc.) and build up our endurance daily (pray - have conversations with the God).

It’s time to migrate northward ... toward the Son.

About the Author: Dr. Krista Driver holds professional certifications in diagnosing and treating eating disorders and substance abuse. She is licensed in the State of California as a Marriage, Family, and Child (LMFT) therapist. Currently working in private practice, Dr. Driver is also the Founder and Executive Director of Serenity Center For Change (a public benefit nonprofit in California). From transitional living to equine therapy, Serenity Center for Change offers the tools to assist others in initiating effective change in their lives. Dr. Driver has published one book (But I Want A Casserole) and is currently awaiting the publication of her second book (But I Want the Whole Loaf). Visit her website at www.DrKristaDriver.com.