The Light Show

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

This past week we camped on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone, NC. The views were spectacular with ridge upon ridge rising below the overlooks. Our favorite part of the drive is the Linn Cove Via Duct that sweeps out over the rock outcroppings. A German engineer designed it to save the natural landscape. - Breathtaking -

We’d set up camp, done a little hiking and visiting the area, then built our campfire for the night. As I prepared for the evening inside the camper, my husband sat by the fire, musing.

Then he stuck his head in the door. “Come look,” he whispered. As I stepped out into the night, the woods from the ground to the treetops sparkled, flashed, glowed. Fireflies going up, dipping down, gliding from side to side. We sat together by the campfire for a long time, watching, pointing, whispering in amazement at the light show before us.

God’s word tells us to let our light shine so others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Father, help me remember to be kind in all I do, that others may see Christ in me and glorify You. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Did you know where I live we call fireflies, lightning bugs?

Have you ever caught lightning bugs?

The fireflies we saw were likely Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus). They are one of the 19 species that live in my area and are one of the few species that make patterns when they flash. They only do this for a couple of weeks, usually in late May and early June. This is their typical mating rituals. As we watched there would be lots of flashes, then total darkness. Then the show would repeat itself. Awesome.

If you do a little research you can find out how fireflies produce their light.

You may also find that jars of fireflies have been used for light while doctors perform surgeries in countries without electricity.

Put a few fireflies in a jar for a night light. Be sure to get an adult to poke a few holes in the lid for air. Be sure to release them in the morning. You can catch more the next night.

Blessings,

Gail