First Baptist Church of Herndon

A Good Swarm

Linda Soller | Jun 14, 2021

You may be thinking I have used the cicada topic one too many times. Okay, I understand. But really, I won’t have the opportunity again for 17 years! Today I read about a young man who crashed his car when a cicada flew in the open car window and smacked him in the face. No human was hurt in this incident. But I can’t say the same for the directionally challenged cicada or the car. I ask myself, yes, they are swarming, but if I were isolated for 17 years wouldn’t I be hyper too? Let’s face it they are free to fly, crash, or whatever. I had one fly up the back of my shirt. It’s true. I was pretty creeped out, but my two granddaughters were in the room so I couldn’t scream, not really loudly anyway.

As we begin to get out and about and start spending some time with all those we’ve missed; we may display swarm characteristics. Quick, schedule a family bar-b-que. Hey, anyone want to take a hike? Maybe the dog needs a fourth walk for the day! I’ll just run to the grocery store again for that one item I forgot. It’s understandable to be excited to be out among family, friends, and even strangers again. We’ve missed it. Like cicadas we don’t head out with the intention of biting or stinging anyone. Ok, some of us may be annoying, but not all. When we are done swarming, we will collapse like our cicada buddies because frankly it has been a long time since we were so busy.

In conclusion, while most of us dislike the swarming cicadas, we are feeling inclined to swarm a bit ourselves. Here are some swarm suggestions to consider. When you go to the grocery store again, why not pick up a few items for your local food bank. Don’t have a dog? Offer to walk an elderly or working neighbor’s pup. Hiking can be a fun even with cicadas; just wear a hat, netting, and carry a fly swatter. Oh, lest we forget, you can go back to church now! I know you missed it, but the habit may have been broken. I say it is time for a good swarm!

See you in church! :o)