I saw lightening bugs last night. Perhaps you call them fireflies where you live. Whatever you call them, they were prolific.

It had been a long day. A work function kept me out later than normal so I was over caffeinated and excited to kick off my shoes.

I live in very rural, forested area where people show affection by reminding you to watch out for deer. There’s a reason for that as we probably have more deer than people. I wasn’t looking forward to dodging them in the darkness and was excited to just be home.

And then it happened. A flash of gold in the darkness and then another and another and another until the entire landscape was illuminated by these tiny flying beetles.

They kept me company much of the way home and I was glad. It seems that I see fewer every year. Loss of habitat, light pollution, pavement, and short cut grass are all contributing factors to their decline.

I was reminded of catching them as a kid. I don’t recall wanting to keep them but did like catching them in cupped hands and then releasing them back into the night.

In a world that seems defined by so much loss these days, it was reassuring to see they’re still hanging on.

I appreciate the natural world and especially like things that shine a light into the darkness. Would a lightening bug prevent me from hitting a deer? No. But I sure did feel less alone in the darkness with them lighting the way.

Want to help lightening bugs (or fireflies) thrive in your backyard? This website has some great information. Maybe if enough of us try, we can keep them thriving for future generations to chase and enjoy.