Bedtime Story

It isn't often that we get Kansas-sized thunderstorms in this part of Iowa, but over the past few days we've had them in spades. And while we do have to contend with unfortunate side-effects like flooding and groundwater contamination, after they've passed they always leave behind some fine, fine sleeping weather.

So last night I threw open all of the windows, made way for a cool breeze, and let the sounds of outdoors flood in through the windows. Except for the bed, the sheets, the pillows, four walls, a ceiling, and an occasional moped, it was just like camping. So much so that as I was climbing into bed I caught myself singing, "Give me land, lots of land, under starry skies above. Don't fence me in." I probably would have kept singing except that it interferred with the chirping of the crickets who are having their swan song (swan chirp?) before they go into hybernation for the winter. As long as they stay outside where they belong, I think crickets really are one of God's better inventions. They have a sleek design and a pleasant pitch, unlike locusts which are unbearably loud and ugly as sin. And crickets don't have a reason in the world to rub their legs together except to lull me to sleep at night. At least that's what I like to think. Humor me.

But mostly I'm glad that God gathers them up after they've been scattered by the thunderstorm and puts them back under my window where they can chirp to their hearts' content. I think that's really nice of Him.