Fireflies

Well, y'all will be happy to know that i write to you from the Atlanta airport waiting at the gate to fly over the pond into Ireland.  i'll arrive in Dublin at 10:30am their time! WOOT WOOT!  Now, as emotions are going crazy for me right now i am going from extremely excited to see how God will use me in this coming year as well as getting to see some familiar faces, but at the same time i'm saddened to think that i am leaving behind (if only for a time) those who helped me get to where i am today and knowing that my grandpa fell out of his bed yesterday and broke his hip.  it breaks my heart to think i may not get to talk to him again.  With all of these and several other emotions and situations flowing through my mind like crazy i thought i'd hone in on one particular thought that came about last night.  Just a thought, nothing really deep or anything.

So, last night my sister and i met some of my friends at the county fair.  Let me tell you, it was pretty nostalgic, however, that is not what i'm going to be sharing with you, that was just an extra tid bit :)  ANYWHO!  On the way my sister was saddened by a few things and her head was down.  i, however, looked to her, but since i was driving i couldn't continue to look at her.  As i was scanning the road and shoulder (good thing i did too because there was a deer right on the shoulder that thankfully didn't run out in front of the car!) but what i saw in the dark fields made me stop (figuratively) for the first time in a long time and marvel at God's creation, taking in who He truly is.  It may not sound like anything special to you, but ask my sister, it was pretty sweet!

As i looked all around in the fields (which i have driven passed/through multiple times) fireflies seemed to be doing a little number.  It was an incredible sight.  With the windows down and the radio up (blaring country music of course) it was like in the midst of the darkness, they were dancing to God's song.  Now i know the reason they light up and all that, but work with me here.  It's 10pm, imagine the country smells (the good ones, not manure lol), wind circling around you, and as you gaze beyond into the fields it's like a recital has begun all for an audience of One, but we get to be spectators too.  i couldn't help but shout to Kim over the blaring radio and wind ripping through the car, and as she lifted her eyes the tears were replaced with a smile all her own. 

We live in a dark world, but there are beacons shining there lights, the Light.  Our eyes are drawn to the light (why do you think Vegas is so bright?<--different kind of light, but you get what i'm saying).  In the midst of pain and darkness, though, we need to learn to dance and share with others the excitement of what Christ has done, how that affects what we're doing now, and how that will impact the future, for eternity!  i'm not saying life is always peachy because it's not, but if you don't look up, you may just miss the dance.

i'm reminded of a song by some talented men named Shane & Shane who sing of the Truth and this is what they have to say:

You have made my day
Even in stormy weather
I’m dancing in all the rain
Cause you make bad days…

Great is the way
When you come to mind
I am smiling ear to ear
Sweet thoughts of you
I’m always in the mood
To twirl around with you
While it’s raining
Even if it’s a dream

Great is the way
That I am unafraid
When I see you
All my fear goes away

Bad days are coming
Rainy days are always around
But if I can see you
One glance upon you
The sun comes out

I’m dancing in all the rain

Cause you make bad days better

Don't forget to look up, and take some time to dance, even in the rain :)

Next time i post, i'll be in NORTHERN IRELAND! WOOT WOOT!!!!!!