In a Twinkling
thoughts on fireflies, stars, and babyhood
Twinkle, twinkle little star, and firefly, and baby…this week, let’s focus on some small, beautiful and mysterious miracles in our midst!
ARTICLE: The Mathematical Mysteries of Fireflies
“Among the thousands of firefly species in the world, only a handful blink in sync.”
Wow! Read on to find out more…
SONG: FIREFLIES by OWL CITY
Owl City IS musician Adam Young, who began composing and recording his catchy electronic tunes in his parents’ basement. “Fireflies” is his biggest hit (justifiably so, in my opinion). Enjoy!
FIREFLY MEDITATION
It truly seems like yesterday when the little subject of my meditation, Peter, was a toddler, but it’s been six eventful years. Once again we await the coming of the fireflies to our backyard. And, next summer, it will be Dimitri’s turn to dance with them…
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
The other night, our grandson Peter experienced fireflies for the first time. He was awake long enough to catch the incredible magic show that is June evenings in our yard. As his brother Aiden had done before him, and their father, aunts and uncles had in their childhood, Peter ran around, arms outstretched, trying to capture the amazing luminescent creatures dotting our lawn, bushes and trees. As they winked in the night, tiny animal flashlights, he shrieked with delight.
At this time of year, no darkness is too dark to obscure the fireflies. They shine on clear nights and during thunderstorms too. It is the dance of their brief lives as they try to attract a partner, and they make the most of it. Their flashing lights send a message, in hopes that the message will be received.
We are called to be God’s light in the world, shining in all kinds of weather. Our light, which is the light of God’s love, is meant to illuminate us from within. We are to be bright enough to guide others through the night, bright enough to lead our fellow humans to our Heavenly Father. If we are living as God would have us live, we can send our message without saying a single word. We show compassion, we reach out to the poor and the sick, we make a difference in our little corner of the world (and maybe far beyond). And we glow.
Are there times our light falters? Of course. Just as fireflies blink on and off, we have our times of struggle, when our hearts are heavy and life seems overwhelming. But, always, eventually, that inner light returns, and once more we shine. Because we are born for this, this brilliant beauty, a glimmer of eternity in each of our hearts.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to appreciate the light of the firefly in a well-lit room. It is the contrast with the darkness that shows us its splendor. And it is when we leave our comfort zone and venture out into this hurting world, that the impact of our light is truly felt.
We can be assured that have all the light we need. We ARE the light that our brothers and sisters need. And as the skies turn gray when dusk settles in, we glow once more. Like millions of tiny fireflies, keeping total darkness at bay.
Peter dances excitedly around the yard, filled with wonder and joy, We can see his light, all of our lights, precious gifts from our Creator. We are gifts that are made to be shared, so that we all can see clearly.
Who’s afraid of the dark?
Not us. Thanks be to God.
MUSIC: DAYBREAK BY MICHAEL JONES
I haven’t listened to Jones’ album Pianoscapes in probably 25 years (no particular reason, it just fell off my radar screen). But as I write this (early early morning) I’m thinking about precious dawns with my wakeful little guys. Exhausted as I was, I realized that those days would be over all too soon (and so they proved to be). Pianoscapes was part of the soundtrack of my life in Lewes DE the summer of 1988, when my wakeful toddler was Evan, and I was very pregnant with Rose…this is the lovely “Daybreak.”
MOVIE TRAILER: BABIES
This documentary, featuring four babies from four countries (Japan, Namibia, Mongolia and USA) is a delight—not only for the fascinating differences in cultures, but the MANY ways the babies are alike. If you, like me, think nothing tops a film full of adorable infants—you’ve come to the right place! Here’s the trailer…
POEM: FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN BY ROBERT FROST
Short and sweet, from one of my favorite poets…
Here come real stars to fill the upper skies,
And here on earth come emulating flies,
That though they never equal stars in size,
(And they were never really stars at heart)
Achieve at times a very star-like start.
Only, of course, they can't sustain the part.
VIDEO: “FIREFLY SPARKLE” GALAXY!
and check THIS out. The Wonderful Webb has discovered a tiny, colorful galaxy that began forming 600 million years after the Big Bang. Nicknamed “Firefly Sparkle,” it contains star clusters that resemble—yup—fireflies!
BLOG PREVIEW: GO WEST, OLD MOM
Just got back from a week in Seattle (visiting with Evan) and Orange County, California (for the world premiere of Sheridan’s third piano trio). I traveled with excitement and anticipation—plus a flareup of my arthritic left knee and a nasty cyst on my back to boot. My question to my annoying infirmities: who invited YOU along?
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Enthusiasm is the greatest power.
For one endowed with enthusiasm
nothing in this world is impossible.”
— The Ramayana
I love this quote from the Indian epic saga, The Ramayana. While I do not always approach life with unbridled enthusiasm, I do so often enough that I know its power. Watching our resident baby, Dimitri Gabriel, discovering the world, is observing enthusiasm in its purest form. Have a powerfully wonder-filled week, my friends!
