Psalm 145:16

16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

In the still of night, you called my name with a simple flicker. I opened the door and chased after you. Barefooted, I ran through stiff blades of grass whispering treble chords like a bow across a violin. You paused at the edge of a cricket symphony and began to sway to their melody.

In hindsight, you were creating poetic pause for my little feet. As I neared, my steps softened and slowed. I stood next to you and stared in awe. What brilliance! My hand reaching out with tenderness as you met me there. Landing effortlessly in my palm your light grew brighter. The maestro using his entire body of light and wind to both speak and call. I understood the resonance of your wings and the message of your flicker.

As the stars danced across the sky, your light attracted more. With a heart smile, I heard you say, “Take us home with you?” “All eighteen of you!” I explained with heightened excitement. “Yes, but you will release one of us each year.” “How will I know the right time?” I asked with questions swirling in my little mind. “You will know.”

One – You cheered me on when I took my first step. I said goodbye to one of you that day. Thank you for walking with me and holding me up with your wings.

Two – You flooded my room with flickers of lights when I was afraid of the dark. I said goodbye to another one that day. Thank you for dispelling the shadows on my walls with your light.

Three – You cheered me up with songs of joy when I fell and hurt my knee. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for shaping wind into music and singing over me.

Four – Your wings fluttered my brow to help me sleep while singing, “Hush little baby, don’t say a word.” I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for watching over me as I sleep.

Five – You encouraged me with your light show as my knees trembled walking into my first school. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for staying by my side as close as a dear friend.

Six – You caught my tears with a rush of wind after losing my soccer game. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for your encouragement.

Seven – You calmed my thoughts when the world did not make sense. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for sharing the truth.

Eight – You hovered around my heart in spiritedness as I prayed for Jesus to enter my life. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for protecting my heart and showing me THE WAY.

Nine – You cheered for me with flickers of joy when my team won the tournament. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for showing me great skills on land and air.

Ten – You helped me learn math and science as I continued to grow. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for being a great teacher.

Eleven – You created a cool breeze for my weary heart when I felt alone. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for being my comforter.

Twelve – You walked with me in locker filled hallways and uncertainty. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for always going before me.

Thirteen – You taught me how to use my voice for good and for God’s glory even though it was cracking along the way. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for your mentorship.

Fourteen – You carried my burdens with your strong wings as relationships failed. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for shouldering my fears.

Fifteen – You rode with me like a best friend as I drove for the first time. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for being a guiding light.

Sixteen – You protected me with your light and outstretched wing when darkness tried to consume me. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for sacrificing yourself for my good.

Seventeen – You laughed at my jokes even when they really weren’t that funny. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for resting on my smile and telling me to be cheerful even in the hard times.

Eighteen – You packed my backpack one last time with the faintest flicker. I said goodbye to you that day. Thank you for caring for me even when I didn’t recognize it.

I carried you, the last firefly, to the place where we met years ago. Through pillowy grass and to the edge of a wilderness future, I placed you in my palm and lifted you ever so slowly to the sky. You didn’t fly away. I carefully moved you to my fingertip and placed you in front of my eye. “I’ve never seen a firefly cry” I said with sorrow in my throat.

Your wings began to oscillate and you lifted your body ever so closely to my ear and said, “Don’t forget to come back to the woods my son. When the world feels heavy, you’ll find joy at the edge of the forest for it mimics the hem of His garment. Just reach out, and I’ll be there with fiery light.”

Instantly memories flooded my mind as I watched you fly away – tucking me in at night, kissing my head, running alongside my bike, studying math, and watching me drive away. You can always go back to the days of Christopher Robin if you sit long enough at the edge of the woods with fireflies.

~Welcome to Senior Year! May God protect our children and fill them with His Holy Spirit. May God burn up what is not of Him and fill our children with His fruits. May each step be sprinkled with salt and light where those who follow you can taste and see that the Lord is good!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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