3 Reasons I’m Thankful for Cicadas

Cicadas are everywhere in Nashville. In fact, we are being warned about being outside too long because there are so many that the noise is harmful to our hearing. I’ll say it: they are annoying! It was somewhat cute for a day or two, but, after a couple of weeks (with a couple more to go), it’s getting old to hear them and have them swarm you at every turn.

However, as I was walking this morning, I started trying to think of reasons why I am thankful for this, um, invasion of these bugs. Here are some things I thought of.

1. They are a Reminder that I Can Still Hear. Yes, the noise is insane. It is loud, constant, and annoying. But I can hear it. Just as I can hear noises that are pleasant, God has blessed me with the ability to hear these things, too. I love to hear so many great things each day: my wife’s voice, my children’s laughter, beautiful music, and more. If you can hear the annoying, be thankful that you can hear at all.

2. They are a Reminder of God’s Design. These are 13-year cicadas. They will return in 2024. We can count on it (and maybe plan a month-long vacation). That’s amazing to me. 13 years ago, there was just such a time as we are seeing now. I sure wish an evolutionist would try to explain this phenomenon. Only God could build in such an amazing thing as this cycle.

3. They Bring Joy to (Most) Children. I was scared of cicada “shells” as a kid (just ask Amber about it). However, most kids find these things funny, and are enjoying catching them and chasing them. I love seeing kids find joy in nature, even if it’s a gross part of nature.

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Okay, so that’s a short list. But those three things are more than I had thought of before. As we endure the next 10 days to 2 weeks of this, I’m going to try to keep these things in mind…

…if I can hear myself think!