My darling child,

I know you are feeling lonely and invisible in there, in that quiet, little cocoon. Your siblings are so visible, their talents so evident, their accolades ringing in your ears. I know it feels sad, and you feel like no one can see you, and you feel left out. I know you wonder whether anyone will ever notice you. And it even feels like God might have forgotten where you are. It makes you wonder whether He even cares about these incredible yearnings in your heart. You know you are beautiful, He tells you so, but you wonder what is the point of any beauty if no one’s allowed to see it?

But I want to tell you a secret.

A caterpillar, if you look very closely, actually already has the identity of a butterfly. But it needs a little time in a cocoon to mature into what it really already is. You see, if it tried to fly before its wings had developed, it would fall. In fact, it might even hurt itself so much that it would never be able to fly when it really mattered. So God, in His wisdom, wraps it up safely where the magic can take place: where it can learn the secret lesson.

The lesson of glory.

It must learn to be in the place of being unseen, so that it can learn to look at its invisible Maker instead of at all the eyes that will soon be looking at it.

Because it will be called to shine:

“Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Sweet child, you have to be hidden for a little while so that you can learn to be trusted with glory.

Glory is a thing too heavy for a creature to bear. There is only One strong enough to carry it. And when you are released from that cocoon, your beauty will be evident to all; but you will be light as a feather, so you will be able to fly.

Darling one, most of us wait decades for the gift of this learning. You are being allowed the very deep privilege of learning it so young. I believe that is because your Father in heaven, your Maker, is getting you ready for a very special task. He is preparing you to fly like a butterfly, precious child.

You keep your eyes on Him.

Soon it will be time to shine.