Watching Fireflies

Watching Fireflies

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

An Amish father and his son study the twilight sky. The father is searching for clouds gathering in the distance. His corn is waist high, and he’s waiting for a “million dollar rain.” If rain comes in time, the crop will continue to grow and will feed his family. If rain comes too late, the corn is cut for silage, a fodder for animals. It is still useful, but the food and money the family counted on will be lost.

As they stand there, the son also sees the stalks of corn. He sees the horizon. But the boy’s eyes are on something else. He’s focused on the fireflies. They dance and flash, bringing him joy.

In everyday life we see things from our own perspective. The physical view is the same, but our minds translate the view differently. Worry clouds the thoughts of a farmer. Simple joy fills the mind of a child.

Do you ever wonder how God sees things? He gazes at the horizon, already knowing not only whether the rain is coming but also how much. We allow worry to cloud our vision. God doesn’t worry. He knows His plans and His power to accomplish them.

God longs for us to come to Him with childlike faith instead of allowing worry to fill our minds. Mark 10:13-15 reads, “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. . . . [Jesus] said to them, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’”

What is on the horizon of your life today? Are you waiting for rain? Do you have a heavy heart? Worries about the future? Allow thoughts of God to fill your mind. Remember that He holds your future in the palm of His hand. And take time to focus on the fireflies.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You so much for holding my future in Your hands. Forgive me for all the times I worry. Help me to delight in the small joys today brings.