You Make Me New. You Are Making Me New.

So last night I finally did it. I went in and got my first tattoo. I have been wanting this one for quite some time now and the waiting and pain is over. It is finished.
Ever since I was super little I have always loved butterflies, and the blue morpho butterfly has always been my favorite with its vibrant blue iridescent wings. I also love the symbolism of the butterfly, transforming the old to something new and beautiful. "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
So I didn't know this going into it, but apparently the back of the neck is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo. He basically said that if I can handle that, I can pretty much handle a tattoo anywhere else on my body.
It felt a lot like I was being scratched by a cat with really long nails for the most part. Then it felt like he threw some fire ants on there and they were biting me, then when he was doing some deep shading, it felt like he was trying to dig a hole in my neck, and when it was all over it just feels like a crunchy sunburn. It took about an hour and a half to finish but it was totally worth it.

Then Angelo was up next. He got Philippians 4:13 on his bicep. Very fitting since the verse says "I can to all things through Christ who strengthens me" His took about 20 min.

Tattoos tend to symbolize a new beginning or landmark in life. I think that is pretty much accurate. After all that has happened in life, my Savior has taken the old, weak and ugly and turned it into something beautiful and strong. AND I have learned that I'm not as much of a chicken as I thought I was. He has made me new. So in conclusion, yes, last night was a great night of painful new beginnings. :)