Firefly moments

July 26, 2012
Every ward was asked to come up with a light source for girls camp. Our girls picked fireflies. Although we should have picked Box Elder bugs since they were EVERYWHERE!!!

They came up with a funny firefly cheer and even used fireflies in our skit. But it wasn't until tonight's testimony meeting that I realized how special that light source was.

If you've ever seen a real firefly (I have!), you know they emit this soft light from their bums (I think technically it's their abdomens, but bums sounds more fun). They blink on and off and you can't help but stare at the blinking lights in the darkness. There's just something that draws you to their light.

Our YW President used this analogy during our testimony meeting. She gave us each a glow stick and said that each of us have "firefly moments" in our lives that when it's dark and we feel alone, we naturally turn to for light and guidance.

Maybe it was because we were at girls camp but I couldn't help reminiscing about my firefly moments during my own YW experiences.... Lori singing "Rise and Shine and Give God His Glory Glory" to wake us up each morning, Patty, synchronized swimming skits, hikes gone bad, my "girls", testimony meetings around the campfire, washing each others feet and hair, pranks, and unforgettable friendship and love. There have been others throughout my life but these ones were very near to my heart the past two days.

I told the girls I think the reason I was called to serve in YW was to help me remember these firefly moments. It wasn't for them... it was for me. I needed a reminder of the goodness, service, and love I once was and want to become again.