Fireworks...makes me think!

We went to out great neighbor's house for a BBQ and fireworks display. It was great fun, great food and great company. The wind threatened to ruin our party, and we had to rescue Mara when her plate flew up right on to her lap. She tried so hard not to cry, but couldn't contain it. After quite a long pause with her fighting for control, she just let out a huge bawl. It was actually quite sweet, just how hard she tried not to lose it. We played volleyball in the pelting rain, and then everything cleared up and it was time for fireworks. Someone always brings glow necklaces and bracelets for the kids, and they love them. Emma loved the fireworks.

The little kids were playing a game during the fireworks display where they were pretending that the fireworks were bombs going off and they had to duck and cover when they went off and it really made me think just how grateful I am that I can look at fireworks and see them as a celebration of freedom. Many people in the world today know war. They view the sound of cannons, gunshot and "fireworks" as something to be really afraid of. It is not a happy sound to them, it is a sound that inflicts terror in their hearts. How humbled I felt to watch them "pretend" to duck and cover. How grateful I am that my children live in peace. That I have never know the terrors of war. That I can look at fireworks and be reminded of the freedom that I enjoy.

Hope your Fourth of July celebration reminded you of all that we hold sacred and dear.