As I sat in a camp chair within our tiny cabin porch the other night,
I reflected on our first couple nights “off grid”.
Zip was by my feet, her nose just inches from the fresh air of the screen door.
It was dusk and darkness was closing in. Earlier, as I walked into the woods to approach the cabin, the birds were singing and pats (partridges) were flying up as Zip and I neared their nook. But now, it was dead silence except for the gentle snoring of Russ, deep inside the cabin walls. My eyes were attempting to adjust to the darkness, as the sun drained from the tree-cluttered sky.
As darkness finally overcame dusk, the fireflies began their syncopated dance among the trees. In the distance, I could hear the yipping of a coyote and a neighbor dog, a mile or so away, on the wind.
While watching the fireflies burst their light forth, HOLD IT, and darken, I thought to myself…is that me? Am I like a firefly, bursting with the light of Jesus for some to see at times, and then fade out quickly, never to be seen again?
Is that me? Saved by faith and grace, bold for Christ, but only in short staccato bursts?
I pondered this thought as I watched the fireflies. Soon the darkness and silence took over, causing my head to bob from the weight of the day's chores.
While watching the fireflies burst their light forth, HOLD IT, and darken, I thought to myself…is that me? Am I like a firefly, bursting with the light of Jesus for some to see at times, and then fade out quickly, never to be seen again?
Is that me? Saved by faith and grace, bold for Christ, but only in short staccato bursts?
I pondered this thought as I watched the fireflies. Soon the darkness and silence took over, causing my head to bob from the weight of the day's chores.
As the tiny candle was blown out for the night, and the cabin was immersed in total darkness, my thoughts began to churn. Laying on my sleeping bag, in complete utter "out in the middle of the woods" darkness, I thought I must let my light shine.
However, it isn't up to me.
As I die to myself,
Christ will fill me and I will become like a cracked pot,
or perhaps a firefly...
with light shining through…God willing.
Matthew 16:24-25
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,
and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
Until tomorrow, truly God willing.
10 comments:
Wonderful.....
I really admire your moving out to the cabin. I would love to do something like that. Even though we are 'off grid' in our house, I am starting to feel like it is still so much stuff and we could be simpler. Kudos.
Wonderful to get back to what REALLY counts. Enjoy the peace!
Good Morning Mrs. Sutherby,
This is such a wonderful post. I love the scripture you used from Matthew...they are some of my favorites. I usually run a few miles in the evening when the fireflies are out and about. Sometimes I feel like a firefly...shining Christ's love at times but then fading off. Thank you for reminding us that if we are saved, we should let the light of Christ shine for all to see at all times.
By the way, I really like the photo at the end. It's so beautiful.
God Bless,
Josh
Was that Zip in the photo? Reminds me so much of Smokie Jo, a heeler we rescued. My granddaughter found her a half mile from the house, fluffy white ball, no bigger than our Chihuahuas. She thought she was like them, until she grew too big for their doggie door. We found a permanent home for her with a loving parent and we get photos of her life. Aren't they wonderful? Now I must go think about fireflies.
Sherry~ you have a gift of writing. You are shining my friend!
Thank you dear friends, for all the wonderful comments. Yes, that is Zip, my shadow. I hope whenever you see a firefly, from this point on, you will feel Christ-filled. <)))><
thank you for sharing your thought provoking, lovely thoughts. so glad you had that time to ponder and just be!
Sherry,
For what it's worth, I'm always encouraged by your faith. Your portion of Christ shines through in your writing. I started visiting your blog because I loved reading about a midwestern musher. But I come back because of your watering faith. I need tom come visit your farm someday. Seriously.
Thank you MM...and thank you Grace. Sometimes it feels like I'm putting too much of myself "out there", but then I know it is good when I hear comments such as these. Thank you for taking the time to share.
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