Fireflies

I really should be in bed.  The day has been packed with activities and sleep is beckoning me.  Yet, I have to pause to reflect on how amazing God is. 

Abbie and I went for an evening jog after eating birthday cake and homemade ice cream at a birthday party (not so smart, right?). But, the climate was pristine and the running schedule we're on called for us to kick ourselves into gear, birthday cake or no.  The air was balmy but cool, the twilight-covered landscape was glowing, and the stars were blinking in the sky.  With my iPod crooning and my legs pumping, I soaked it all in and let the beauty captivate me. 

For a Western girl like me, the most mesmerizing aspect of the evening runs we've been taking are the fireflies.  The flashes of light in the midst of cornfields and lush trees wow me.  Tonight, Abbie and I pretended they were crazed fans stumbling over each other to snap photos of us, Olympic runners extraordinaire (if you read this Abbie, sorry to admit our antics.  I'm not ashamed.).  Yet, I don't think these little bugs care the least about us.  Instead, I envision them praising God with their light show.  It must bring pleasure and glory to Him to see the handiwork of His creation.

I marvel at the goodness of God not only in His creation, but in His provision.  Seeing the ways He has provided for me in every way encourages my heart.  Lately, I've been particularly struck by how God uses people's pain to bless and challenge other believers and to be a distinct witness to those without Christ.  It seems that this is a hard season in life for many of the people I care about the most.  Yet, in seeing how they have faced the reality of their pain, God has touched my heart in deep and rich ways.  There is a distinct beauty and authenticity in pain when such pain is given to God and surrendered to Him for the sake of His glory.   God shows His provision and unfailing love most in such circumstances.  I want to be an apprentice of such surrender.  I want to give God every ounce of who I am, pain and all, and watch how He will hold my heart and never fail me. 

Rambling as it may be, that's a snapshot of what I'm thinking tonight.  Life for me in Omaha is full.  Full of fun, people, rest, newness, and challenges.  I am so thankful for this unique opportunity and stage of my life and hope that I don't waste even a minute of it.  I want to learn what God wants me to learn while I'm here. 

God, thanks for the fireflies.