Lightning Bugs

Greetings Dear Reader,

If you have not yet read Sheetrock on the Road then you do not know of my love for fireflies.   I will refer you there to the chapter “The Rising Lights” for understanding.  Last evening transported me back to that time in a most endearing way.

The night felt like the summers I endured as a child and through much of my adult life. It was hot and humid.  The thunderstorms of the previous evening had left everything damp and lush.  The grass on the ball field held the shimmer of humid air refusing to accept it evaporated offerings.  Ground balls cast out a rainbow in the setting sunlight as they sped along the damp carpet of turf.

The storms had also gifted us with an impromptu doubleheader.  My local team won the first one and lost the second.  Once again my Grandsons sang to the crowd during the seventh inning stretch.  The moisture and heat clung to me soaking my clothing and slowing my movements.

The second game ended and the lights were silenced as the crowd prepared for post-game fireworks.  The man made lights began to rise with more smoke than usual due to the soaked air. 

As I watched the fireworks a single firefly flashed just a few feet in front of me.  It was rising in the night to seek companionship.  It occurred to me that the firefly competes for others of its kind for attention.  How must it feel it chances are among the flashes and flares of the fireworks? 

I could imagine it seeing the bright green flares that almost matched it hue.  I found it humorous that this small insect seeking a mate would be thwarted by manmade similitude.  It also reminded me of something far more important.

I too often compare myself to things that are not a just comparison.  I diminish my own opportunity by failing to see that I am created as I am meant to be.  Who I am is a result of either following or failing to follow Christ.   We are meant to shine in the darkness.  We are commanded to do so even if no one responds.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)