We had a very relaxing July 4th holiday. We stayed home, enjoyed some KFC and homemade a strawberry shortcake with my mom. The kids played in the sprinkler and listened to their Nana read books to them. I did a bit of laundry, made some plans for the coming school year (which begins this week for us) and surfed the internet.

Mom went home around 6 PM and we ate a late supper. Around 8:30 we made our way over to the local fireworks display. Last year, we got there a bit late and had to pull over on the side of the road to enjoy the show. This year, we got there in plenty of time to get good “seats”. We also happened to meet up with a family from church! Their kids and our kids got to watch the fireworks together. I loved hearing their “ooos” and “ahhs”. We discovered that fireworks are much more enjoyable when you’re close enough to see it from the ground up. 😉  They were also much louder!

This was Matthew’s first fireworks display. I forgot my camera, but Terry captured his sweet, scared expression with his phone. He clung tightly to me at first, and I gently covered his ears till he got used to the sound. He pooched his lip out once, and I thought he was going to cry, but he didn’t. By the end of the show he was smiling and clapping.

I’m sorry it’s so blurry, but I’m so glad to have even a blurry memory of the evening! As I stood watching the glorious colors and heard the loud booms from the show, I couldn’t help but think about what July 4,1776, was like. There were no fireworks. I’m sure the mood was somber. I’m sure those 55 men who signed the declaration were thinking of their uncertain future. They risked their “lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor” for freedom. They weren’t even sure if they would win their freedom, but they thought it was worth trying. I’m so glad they risked everything for the “experiment” of the United States!

May I risk my all to tell others how they can have real freedom – freedom from Hell. America may not remain free. But through Christ, I’m free forever!