“Come on, Mommy! Let’s catch fireflies!”
Each evening, while visiting her uncle’s home in the Midwest, our granddaughter, Sophie, wanted to capture those glowing insects. Where she lives in the Pacific Northwest, the little creatures do not abound.
I, too, was visiting Sophie’s uncle (my son) and delighted in those fireflies as much as she did. That’s because Steve and I have lived in Florida for over thirty years, and although a habitat map for fireflies includes our state, I’ve never seen one here.
During our visit, we’d all sit on the front porch in the evening. Sophie and I, in particular, would watch for the magical moment when the soft, silent glimmering would begin.
The fireflies drifted up from the grass and lilies of the valley in front of the house. Just a few at first. But soon there were too many to count.
I became curious about whether they blink at even intervals or not. Since they move slowly, it was quite easy to choose one, follow its course, and count the seconds between blinks. I can confidently report that this particular variety (There are over 2000 world-wide!) chooses to blink at random, although within a range of 4-6 seconds.
As soon as the first firefly was spotted, Sophie was off the porch and into the yard with her jar. She took great joy in the catching, but kindly released them when it was time for bed.
We’d say good-bye as each one took flight from the edge of the jar. I gave them names.
“Good-bye, Floyd!”
“Sleep well, Beulah!”
“See you again tomorrow night, Fred!”
* * * * * * * * * *
These images came to mind as I read, “Love in the Dark,” by Danielle Ayers Jones–a meaningful post for the (in)courage blog, July 9. She wrote about experiencing God’s love, even in the midst of dark, hard, confusing, even seemingly hopeless circumstances. Joseph was her example.
As I read, I thought of those fireflies in the dark we had witnessed just the week before. The soft glimmer, blinking here and there, reminded me: the steadfast love and favor of God glimmers here and there in all circumstances—including the hard, confusing times. Sometimes it’s an encouraging word from a friend, a Bible verse that speaks directly to our situation, or an unexpected God-incident that ministers to our hearts.
That word unexpected highlights how our God works. He likes to surprise us sometimes. His glowing love gifts often come randomly, not at precise intervals.
We have to keep alert or we might miss the blessings.
But the more alert we become, the more we’ll see—until we can no longer keep count.
What fireflies have glowed in the night for you? In other words, how has God’s love penetrated the darkness in your life? Please share your experience in the comment section below.
(Art & photo credits: www.headofleslie.com; addins.wwa.com; http://www.charlottesfancy.com)
From the Inside Out 
I’ve been studying, reading “The Girl’s Still Got It”, and watching Liz Curtis Higgs’ videos in preparation for the fall Bible study. Your posting reminded me of the seemingly random way in which God was providing and blessing her. God does step in in big and little ways: giving me a wonderful second husband when I had given up and letting us Skype with our family spread out over the country. I could go on and on like the fireflies. PTL!
Oh, yes–how precious are those gifts that come AFTER we have given up!! Surrender is key, isn’t it. ‘Love the image of recounting God’s blessings, on and on, like the fireflies! Thank you for stopping by, Rita, and leaving your meaningful comment.
Nancy,this was a lovely post to read about ‘the soft, silent glimmering’. Wow. We first saw fireflies in NYC over 20 years ago while visiting with family there. My daughter was 4, my son was 8–and they were just as entranced as your Sophie.
The thought of looking for those glimmers in the dark….now that will keep me busy all week.
Thanks for this.
I’m so glad the firefly imagery touched your heart! Thank you for stopping by, Jody.
Hey Nancy, what a beautiful post.
I was on an overseas flight just a few days ago. The sun was setting as we were flying over parts of Canada heading toward Greenland. It was a beautifully clear, starlit night. Northern lights danced in the darkening sky. My heart wanted to shout out on the plane, to draw peoples’ attention to this beautiful display of God’s greatness. Almost all shades were drawn shut and people had their eyes fastened of the small screens in front of them.Then, in my hear of hearts I felt as if God was pleased with my recognizing His creativity, and that it was ok, even if I was the only one seeing it. I pondered on the fact how often I miss Him and these personal gifts all around me. At that moment a shooting star zipped across the sky. What a blessing when God gives us these amazing glimpses. They are at times tiny, but reach far into the deep crevices of our souls … Just recalling this makes me so grateful … and contemplating to put this into a post 🙂
Thanks for sharing your gifts with us!!!!
Oh, yes, Heidi, your comments could easily become a very meaningful post. That shooting star must have felt like a bonus gift, because you were already focused on God and worshiping Him, right there on that plane. I love your observation that sometimes God’s blessings are tiny, but reach deep into the crevices of our souls. Beautifully said and so true!
I love the pictures you paint with your words, Nancy. Absolutely beautiful.
Dear Grace, your kind words are a love gift which I gratefully accept!
i love when fireflies come out in summer. I get giddy like a kid when I first see them. But now I will think of them as glimmers of God too thanks to your post!
I’m delighted the post brought you joy, Jean!
Loved this Nancy, Blessings
So glad it touched your heart, Laura. I am indeed blessed!
I’ve never lived in a place where there weren’t fireflies! I just assumed they were everywhere during this time of the year. I love the connection you have made between these beautiful insects and unexpected God incident/blessings. The first thing that comes to mind regards my two oldest great-nieces, Dacota (18) and Brooklyn (almost 17). Ever since they have gotten their drivers licenses they have chosen to visit Mom and me out of the blue…and quite often. (They each have their own car.) They will give Mom a call to see if we are home (I live next door to Mom) and ask if we’ll be around so they can stop by. Sometimes Dacota comes alone in her car; sometimes she brings her boyfriend Jonah along. Sometimes Brookie will come by after she is off of work (she works on a farm after school). The idea that young people like this hold us in high enough regard and esteem and LOVE to take the time to spend with us is a TRUE BLESSING, one which we didn’t expect at all. Most (at least many) teenagers shy away from their older relatives as they enter adulthood. But this is so wonderful for us that they enjoy their time with us like this…even enough to bring along a boyfriend. This has become an ongoing gift from the Lord for which we are so thankful!
What delightful, thoughtful nieces you have, Cheri. You know, those evening chats are not only a blessing to you, but to them as well. The love, encouragement, and wisdom you share will stay with them their whole lives!