Fireflies

When I was little there was one night every summer that I would eagerly look forwards to. I never knew when it would come, or what I would be doing when it came.  I just knew that once it started to happen the most magical night of all would be there, waiting for me. And, every year, sometime in June the night would open up.

Without any warning, a sparkle of yellow light would catch my eye, and then another, and another. As night would deepen there would be a great mist of yellow sparkles rising up from the grass. As they go higher their ranks would break and a million tiny fireflies would flash their tiny lights.  Making the sky look like the stars were dancing, and reminding me of the falling sparks of a firework. 


Until I was forced into bed, I would chase them, catching them in my hands, and  watching as their lights would distinguish in the captivity. Slowly I'd pull my hands away, and as they firefly took off, watch his tiny light flash and glow.

What makes a firefly glow? Why does he choose to only sparkle in the night?  What is the purpose for his light? I never could understand, but I knew that watching the fireflies I understood a very simple truth.

Night is dark, very dark in the summer. The firefly is just a tiny little insect, a very insignificant bug during the day.  Alone, his light is not very strong. Yet, when joined together, a thousand fireflies can bring light and comfort in the dark night.

This world is big and dark and scary. It seems that the sun shines so seldom here. I feel so small and insignificant against it's heavy darkness. Yet, when I join together with a thousand other small insignificant creatures. We can bring light and comfort into the darkness.

The firefly must choose to light the sky. He must fly up out of the protecting grass and lend his light. A light that he did not create, but a light that was given to him for just one purpose, to sparkle in the darkness.

I must choose to rise up out of my safe hiding spot. I must choose to use the light granted me for what it was meant for, a small sparkle in the darkness. It's my choice, but it's also my highest calling, and the only place where I will find happiness.

Follow the fireflies!


Fine Print: Images not mine but are from Pinterest .com