"I am the light of
the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness.” ~ John
8:12
The firework that brought me the
most childhood joy was the familiar, yet brilliant sparkler. Twirling them
around looked like a continuous circuit of light painted in the air. Its afterimage
hovered in space like some magical kaleidoscope of blinking lights.
This lyric from our “National Anthem” reminds me of why we
launch fireworks each July 4th: “And the rocket’s red glare, the
bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still
there.”
More than two centuries ago, Francis Scott Key witnessed a barrage
of British rockets exploding over Baltimore Harbor during the battle for Fort
McHenry. Despite a night of brutal shelling, Old Glory stood tall.
The British defeat was a turning point in the War of 1812.
I’ve always found those words moving. For even in a moment
of fierce battle, any source of light offers us “proof” of what’s enduring and
inspiring in life. This year, while we celebrate America’s independence, let’s
also recognize those "sparklers" in our lives worthy of illuminating.
If we’re lucky, we have true friends in our lives; connected
souls weaved together when our exposed cerebral wires form the right kind of
sparks. They help us grow, laugh and think more.
Marriage, or life partnership, is surely the anchor of a
meaningful life when grounded in shared values, support, and enduring love so strong
that each would willingly sacrifice for the other.
Children or grandchildren carry sparks of us inside them,
from the way their eyes twinkle when they laugh to the way they treat others. From
children’s eyes come the world’s light, pure joy told in grins and giggles.
The work we do every day - whether or not we go to an office
or even get paid to do it - is love made visible - a symbol of our life and
values. Work organizes our life around a routine, and it’s a consistent way that
we can contribute to our community and the world.
Finally, it’s my faith in our Father that buoys my
existence. Our Creator God is the “light of the world.” Love, truth, peace,
forgiveness, and happiness cannot co-exist with evil, selfishness, fear, and
hatred. So, I choose Him.
Consider ways to celebrate the blessings in your life this July
4th. Wave sparklers in the yard with friends; toast your marriage; enjoy
the delight in children’s eyes, share the shared purpose of a work day well
spent. And thank God, the source from whom our blessings of liberty,
prosperity, and security flow.
Thank You, Father, for our country’s
independence and for the people of faith who helped lay its constitutional
framework. You are our deliverer, the God of our strength. We place our trust
in You alone. Amen
