"Will-o-the-Wisp"

On a summer evening long ago,

A young-un on his mama’s lap,

Watched as night time came on slow,

Awake from his afternoon nap.

And as the sun’s rays slowly died,

Mom says now let’s watch close,

The shadows lengthen, deep and wide,

The day’s pace from a trot now slows.

And then she says “A will-o-the wisp!”

As a lightning bug glows by,

And I was happy seeing this,

And let me tell you why,

The sparkle of those tiny bugs,

Was magical to me,

Imagined fairies giving hugs,

Right there so I could see.

Childhood flew and Mom flew home,

And I’m now past my prime,

So many things I’ve learned and known,

In the years of my lifetime.

But the magic of the will-o-the-wisp,

Still lingers in the night,

Could it be God sends His kiss,

With the beauty shining bright,

The magnificence of all He’s made,

His love blows on the wind,

Made known by every bloom and blade,

And time and time again,

He whispers through Creation,

Child, you belong to Me,

His great imagination,

To be loved eternally.

A summer night, the will-o-the-wisp,

And a mother’s sweet caress,

A little boy grown up to this,

To share God’s awesome yes.

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1, NAS)

What God has created testifies of Him. He named the stars, the Bible says, and created lightning bugs to point to Himself! From the far reaches of the heavens to the most minute, microscopic organism, one can see the created design and order. Not to mention the incredible beauty of it all. The shades of green in springtime Texas are too many to be counted! And to think it could have all be done in browns and grays, or nondescript altogether. Instead it shouts the beauty of the Creator. All this points to an eternal, loving Father that takes pleasure in His children and sent His Son to ransom us.

Lord, help us respond to Your beauty, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mikel Donahue, used by permission. Thanks, Mikel, and God bless you.