Independence

Seems like I’m running behind these days – too much going on to keep up with, then nothing at all and I get lazy!  But last weekend we celebrated independence, and anyone who knows me know that it is my favorite holiday and also my favorite historical time period.  The Book LETTERS TO MARY is Civil War, which is also dear to me, but Colonial History is in my heart.  Would I be a Patriot or Loyalist?  I’m amazingly loyal and unmoved.  I will have to think about that.

Last Saturday evening as the sun was setting, I heard the fireworks display in my neighborhood start off with a bang – several bangs!  We have a neighbor several blocks down that can rival any professional display, and normally he does that on the 4th.  But as I walked I was convinced that he was indeed setting them off right then!  I picked up the pace and joined the crowd at the bottom of the hill. 

I know we stood there for 45 minutes, watching and appreciating the lights and sparkles and even the noise.  What would fireworks be, after all, without all the booms and crackles?  I don’t know any of those people, but they were chatting and sharing and enjoying the show.  I dare say that most of them were invited to this ‘bash’ and had known about it beforehand.  I just feel thankful to stand there and watch and soak it all in.  

July 4th, 2016, may be past us, but our independence – and the protection of that lifestyle – should be appreciated every day, all the time.  I am thankful to live in this country, to feel blessed by God’s hand even when things go terribly wrong, and to have the choices that I have each morning.  Have a great year, and stop to consider every single day the cost of becoming and remaining independent.  God Bless!