“the butterfly effect, a popular hypothetical example of chaos theory illustrates how small initial differences may lead to large unforeseen consequences over time.” (good and not so good)
~ Butterfly Effect – Wikipedia
On Facebook this week, a friend posted this picture of yellow rubber ducks floating in the ocean.
It seems that since 1992, when these shades-clad yellow rubber ducks fell off a cargo ship, these “Friendly Floatees” have been helping scientists study ocean currents! Imagine: a load of small, meaningless lost toys have impacted scientific research!
This fun fact, not unlike the article I was given in 2013 when the yellow rubber duck was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame, has given me cause to pause and ask:
What does this mean for us “Methoducks”?
We’ve spent the last 40 days honoring introspective reflection and discipline with the hope for increased personal and collective discipleship as the outcome. With the events of Holy Week upon us, I am in prayer about these outcomes for us as a community of faith and I’ve been inwardly looking for a vehicle to help bring this growth to life. In this season of new life, the butterfly is a symbol, for sure. As stated in the above definition, the butterfly effect is a small feat that then effects in big ways (either good or not so good). The butterfly would’ve been a great symbol for me to use in bringing our discipleship growth to light and then Paula brought this Facebook post to my attention!
After a hearty laugh together it hit me: this is the image that makes sense for our congregation as I look for a means for us to name how it is that God is growing our discipleship.
So, over these 50+ days of Easter (from Easter 4.5 to Trinity Sunday 5.31) I invite you to add your personal experience of “a small difference” to our “Duck Declaration of Discipleship” in the Gathering Space near the Rubber Duck Display Cabinet. No act is too small to claim! And then, use coffee hour to share with someone about what impact or change has transpired because of your action. This may be a time of confessional sharing and/or celebration so be good and gentle listeners brothers and sisters!
Friends, we are people with challenges, mistakes and yucky circumstances as a part of our real life daily living. We are also Easter “Methoduck” people! We are people with big hearts, eager hands and good intentions. Let us celebrate that God IS with us in this new life that resurrection offers us! As we claim the name, Christian, we can boldly share how we are learning and growing in faith as disciples of Jesus, the risen Christ among us with the hope for good for ALL people.
Peace to each of you!
Pastor Kelly