There is a small swampland adjoining the hilly neighborhood, which hosted a swarm of fireflies as darkness began to take over the daylight. A swampland is an uncultivated, low-lying with marsh or bog covered by uncut grasses not very far from our house.
In the countryside, it is not an uncommon sight in the midst of a small mound or hill. When the sunlight settled down for the day the troop of fireflies shown up. I don’t know how they organized flying together yet sometimes alone. Anyways, here we won’t go that deep into exploring them.
The blinking bright lights of the firefly coming from their abdomen in the dark are enticing to the eyes or a little uptown boy who is eager to explore the world as much as he can. It is the desire in itself is not naughty at first but what had ensued is.
“Do not run after them,” said my dear mummy, “they’ll lead you to the damp area in the watery mud.”
I am already cleaned for the day. The cleaning an offending boy again and again until he goes to bed is a bit of a headache for a busy mommy. Mother had loads of work to do for the family before going to bed.
As a little boy, I was always in a hurry. I have little time to put on my shoes. My new stocking might get stain never nearing its first hand. And it’s the only pair I got for the season.
Oh my goodness! They are glowing in the dark!
Now, my eyes are fixed on the beautiful creatures.
So, I ran to catch one. And I caught one, it is really stinky –not as they appear!
A little bit upset, I ran after the other hoping it might be different this time but only to rebuked again.
By now, I lamented not listening to my mother. By now, my only lar of stockings got soaked in the muddy water. Everything I was warned about was true I only realized. Accidentally dipping my feet in the unseen water on a dark night wasn’t pleasant although I don’t want to admit it.
I came back sobbing to my mother. She was there to console me. She did not rebuke but pave the way for my rejuvenation and showing me the ways of living.
Mother help me remove the stain but not as new. And, as she goes to the market to get the same pair but to found none. She came back disappointed just like me although with her head held upright.
There are beautiful paths, which need avoiding however attractive they might be. Be careful in choosing what you’re after as the disciples or servant of Christ; don’t let the stains hurt you in your future. Keep awake!
I would like to know what’s in your mind after you read it, thank you!
Amen brother Thuam! That is a good word! We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, amen! Your story reminds me of visiting my grandparents in Illinois when I was a kid. The more humid parts of the United States have fireflies. We call them lightning bugs. My sister and I along with our cousins would chase the lightning bugs as they lit up the night. Fun memories! God bless you and your family brother!
Thank you brother Ryan. This summer we visited my hometown with my children, they are also thrilled to see it for the first time. We have some good memories about them. When I was a kid we loved running after them as there are some kind of folk stories behind them. Really fun memories for me too. I’m always glad to hear from you. God bless your family too!
I love your story with purpose here- sin is not what it appears from the outside but reveals itself to be muddy, sticky and filled with things that will stain us. Praise God for our Saviors blood that will clean us up, just like your Mom did. But in stead of giving us a cleaned up version of ourselves, God in His mercy gives us a ‘new creation’ in Him. Good thoughts and perspective on life and the cleansing power of Jesus. Thanks.
Thank you very much!