3 Things We Can Learn from the Woolly Bear Caterpillar

When you see Woolly Bear Caterpillars crossing the country roads of the Midwest, it’s a sure sign that summer is almost over. As they hustle to get from one side of the road to the other, you know a change of seasons is coming.

For some reason, I’ve been especially taken by these little critters this year. Maybe it’s because I’m just now noticing all the challenges they overcome to get where they’re going.

By way of analogy, here are a few things I’ve noticed about the Woolly Bear that might be helpful to us as we go forward in relationship with God:

1. Once you commit, don’t look back. I’ve yet to see a Woolly Bear turn around and head back the other way. When they start out for the opposite side of the road, they are on a mission, full-steam ahead. Once they’re in, they are all in (Luke 9:59-62).

2. Keep moving, in spite of obstacles. It’s really kind of amazing that any Woolly Bears make it across the road considering all the hazards they encounter. How do they do it? Well, for one, they don’t seem to panic when they almost get squashed by the large objects whizzing by them. Undeterred, they just keep on moving (Philippians 3:13-14).

3. The process of change is both hard and amazing. The reason why Woolly Bears cross the road is to find a safe spot to hole up for the coming winter. In the spring they will transform into cocoons, then into Isabella tiger moths. By the miracle of metamorphosis, though they are crawling now, they will be flying later.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

I don’t usually notice little things like caterpillars crossing the road. But as it goes, some of life’s biggest lessons can be found in paying attention to the little things.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.