Food, Fun and Freedom

For years I looked forward to the fourth of July for the food, fun and lit up night sky.  The sound of birds chirping, flags flapping in the breeze, and squeals from squirt gun fights.  Little ones entranced with the marvel of holding sparklers, while simultaneously feeling anxious at the gradual procession of flame down the wand toward their chubby fingers.  The air smelling of seared meat, citronella, sunscreen, burnt matches, cut grass, and sweaty kids; a marvelous concoction that can lour even the biggest Party-Poop out and into a lawn chair.  A reason to miss work and the expectation to make a mess, irresistible!

It wasn't until I was in my thirties and married to a career Navy-man, that I actually began to consider the celebration in a different light.  The turning point for me was one of many opportunities to see my husband salute the flag and stand at attention for the National Anthem...  In that moment I began to realize the full weight of symbolism our flag and great hymn of freedom held, being won at the loss of dearly loved husbands, fathers, sons and brothers.  The often gruesome endings these patriots realized while never expecting their names to be written on a monument or found in a history book.  Yet they gave all they had, that we might enjoy the freedoms we know today.

How often do we think of the lives lost so that we might read God's Word without fear of being thrown in prison or even killed?  Do we ever consider in the car on the way to church, that people died so that we could come together in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ?  Do the fireworks remind us of what they were intended to symbolize, "the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air," and the death of freedom fighters who paid the ultimate price so that our opinions and beliefs might be protected and heard?  It is sobering, isn’t it?  Yet, still a marvel to celebrate!  What a heritage, what a country, what a gift to live in the United States of America!  A land where each citizen holds an inheritance that grants them the opportunity to realize their dreams.  An inheritance left by selfless people who sacrificed their life to make their dream of freedom real for you and I, while never having the opportunity to experience liberty themselves.  Incredible. 

If you have the opportunity this weekend or in the days to come, thank a soldier or veteran for the selfless decisions they have made to protect and serve, so that we might continue to enjoy the land of the free and the home of the brave.  

John 15:13  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.