Goodnight From Cedar Street

I love seeing the sights and sounds of summer. Growing up in Algood was a very special part of my early years. As summer nights became longer, we had extra time to stay outside and play.
As night would fall, we would get glass canning jars and start watching for lightning bugs, or as some call them, fireflies. As they started coming out of the ground, they would light up the night sky. As they flew around, we would race to catch one and place it in a jar and close the lid. Now, the lid had nail holes in it so the bugs could breathe.
I never will forget the smell those little creatures gave off. After collecting several, we would run inside and wash our hands, then head right back out the door to pick up our jars and watch each flash they produced.
Now, years later, I know without a doubt those bugs were teaching us part of God’s plan. You see, we are called to be the light of the world. Just like those lightning bugs, we have to know how to make our lights shine. The bugs were born with that special function, just like we were born to shine our light in darkness. And the smell that we washed off our hands reminds me of what Jesus does as He cleans us up.
As the cool air came in and the sun set, many family members, neighbors, and friends gathered in yards to catch up on the news and happenings in our lives. As our parents talked, we soon found a game of hide-and-seek was in order.
As we would run and hide while someone counted to 100, we would find anything possible to hide behind. After the count was up, “Ready or not!” would be heard, and that person was on the hunt for you. When found, you were tagged and told, “You’re it!”
Again, I find another life lesson in this game. We were hiding from God, and when found, we were told, “You’re it.” I’m sure that is exactly how God sees us, and when we find Him, He replies, “You’re it.” Now, this might be a strange analogy, but we were lost and now we are found. No more darkness. No more hiding. When we were found, it was not game over, but a new beginning and a new chance.
After a long night of playing under the streetlights, we would hear our parents yell, “Boys and girls, time to go in!” I never will forget going in and saying goodbye to our friends on Cedar Street. We were tired, but our hearts were full.
Sweaty and worn out, it was off to the bathroom for a bath. After cleaning up and putting on pajamas, we would usually sneak a quick bedtime snack and something to drink. Then, as the cool night breeze blew through our curtains, the sheets felt so good. Climbing into bed and saying our goodnights, we sometimes — though not always — reflected during prayer time on the events of that day and the excitement of what tomorrow would hold.
What I would give to go back just one day and relive one of those memorable days.
Making memories growing up in Algood meant having many friends who helped make those moments possible. I am going to name a few, though I will probably leave some out unintentionally: Terry and Marcia Flatt, James and Randle Bilbrey, Paula and Julie Carr, Tommy Peek, Dana and Lawrence Brown, Robin Riddle, Ricky, Ronnie, and Randy King, and my brothers Billy and Bobby Hunter.
I still stay in contact with many of these friends, even though some have passed away. Each one of them left fingerprints on my life and my heart. I was raised in a good Christian home with a good Christian family and grandparents on both sides living on the same block.
My question to you, my readers, is this: What are your stories of growing up? I know we share many of the same experiences, but what did those growing-up years do to make you who you are today?
Well, I think it’s time to go to sleep. Thankful and blessed to have grown up in a small town with a lot to offer.
Faith. Family. Friends.
With those three things, you can face any giant that may come into your life. Always talk to God. Always pray. Always be who you are called to be.
Goodnight from Cedar Street.
Till next time, love will always overcome. Always.