Fireflies and The Fourth Quarter
“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
Mary Oliver
“Keep looking where the light pours in.”
Morgan Harper Nichols
In November, among other things, I wrote about fireflies. In April, National Geographic, one of my favorite publications since I was about seven years old, published an astonishing article about fireflies written by Amy McKeever.
Among the nineteen species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky National Park, is a synchronous firefly. In late May and early June, this particular variety of firefly puts on an incredible, synchronized display during the two- week mating season. The male fireflies, which can fly, start randomly flashing, slowly at first, and then faster, until thousands of them are flashing in a wave of synchronized bursts of light. The female fireflies, which do not fly, send up 2 quick flashes from the ground, the males see the light, and are able to find their mates from the rapid 2 burst patterns. This synchronous behavior can be observed for hours.
“ Seeing these fireflies for the first time is magical…”The entire forest is flashing together in unison.”
Orit Peleg, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
As with so many natural mysteries, there is no real consensus on the reason for this behavior. The theory that many scientists agree upon is that by putting on this dazzling and huge display, the more predatory species of fireflies are discouraged from trying to mimic the pattern to lure their prey. As Peleg says, “swarms would be more successful collectively.”
Worldwide, there are over 2,000 species of fireflies. Of those, there are only a dozen, give or take, which can coordinate their bioluminescent flashes. This is information that makes my head spin. Truly, I cannot stop thinking about what a beautiful, mysterious, breathtaking and wonderful example of divine and diverse design these tiny beetles are. What wonders there all around us! Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed there were so many species of fireflies! Learning about synchronous fireflies makes me smile every time they come to mind. Think about it - only twelve species of 2,000 exhibit this behavior.
This December, I will be 69 years old. This November, Ed will be 70 years old. By any measure, we are, as my mother would say, in the “fourth quarter” of our lives. I guess that is why I try to ignore those little, and not so little, aches and pains that plague me. There is still so much to do! There are trails to hike, hummingbirds to feed, conversations to have, games to play with grandchildren, trips to take, books to read, politics to avoid, people to meet and love, the wonders of this world to explore and share. We are still in the game.
If I walk enough, read enough, laugh enough, listen enough, pray enough, and watch enough Heartland on Netflix, it is usually more than enough to sleep well at night. Keep living, keep moving, keep learning. Figure out what you need to do to stay in the game.
Love and Grace,
Paige
