Like a Cicada

Right now, cicadas are big deal around here; think, bug apocalypse. I had been warned that they would be coming in droves, mindlessly flying into whatever stood in their way. Terrified, I armed myself with information. What did a cicada look like? What was their purpose? How long was their life cycle? Did you know that periodical cicadas spend 90% of their life underground?! After seventeen years, they emerge for just two weeks; molting, mating and then dying. It seemed too simple and almost sad, until I read about how they aerate lawns, provide better filtration for the ground and feed the birds. Their short life was impactful for the environment around them.

Thankfully, they seem prone to only certain areas, and so far, my summer has been cicada free.

But it did get me to thinking. I feel a little like a cicada when it comes to writing and sharing the work of the Lord in my life over the last couple of years. The words have sat underground in the depths of my heart. Coming out of the pandemic, much like the arrival of the cicadas, we settled into a new church that allowed space for healing from the past, growth in community as we stayed in one place for more than a few years, and opportunity to be involved in a ministry that serves others and stretches my faith. I walked through my oldest son moving away and coming home again, while preparing to launch the second one for college. I now work outside our home in ministry for the first time in forever and it’s not by my husband’s side in radio. Weird! And in all of this, as the years flew by, I have discovered the goodness of God’s character and the strength that is rooted in the truth of who He is. Emerging from the depths and into a new season of life, I want to share what the Lord has been teaching me. So that God is glorified.

Hopefully it will be for more than two weeks!