Lightning in a Bottle

When you were a kid, did you catch lightning bugs and put them in a jar?

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Did you call them lightning bugs or fireflies?

I can remember the lightning bugs at my grandfather’s house in the summer. They were everywhere. We used to love to catch them. Sometimes we would let them crawl up a finger to the tip, spread their wings and fly. 

It was a part of what we did in the summer outside after dark — play kick the can, play hide and seek and catch lightning bugs. 

Did you know that they are actually a type of beetle? I think that’s creepy. I would have never allowed them to crawl on me had I known!

And did you know why they light up? It’s the girls’ way of finding a boy — turning their abdomens fluorescent yellow!

I hadn’t seen any around here for quite some time but I hadn’t really thought about it until last weekend when we were out in the country after dark. There they were. They say that all the lights in the city keep lightning bugs away because they can’t communicate well with each other unless it’s dark. Sorry little bugs!

LORD, you sure had a vivid imagination when you created lightning bugs because they are funny looking little things. Regardless, they have brought joy to many a child over the years. And for that I thank you.