I've never been a big fan of July 4th. I don't understand, as clearly as I should, celebrating this holiday to the extent that people do. I believe in freedom and am more than thankful for this freedom that I have been given, having requested none of it. But while I'm celebrating this freedom, I am constantly reminded of the lack of freedom that many of God's children have all over the world, for whatever reason. I think of women in many cultures where their birth signifies a lost life; rather than, a life of blessings and future freedoms. I am reminded that my life is nearly perfect, even though sometimes I think the opposite, and every need I have is fulfilled. I am thankful that I am where I am, because otherwise, I may be dying from simple diseases like diarrhea because I am too poor to get care, or because I am a woman and have been denied care. Thank you sent above-an eternity of thanks!
I spent all weekend searching for a great place to watch fireworks. I saw fireworks everywhere, but I was never at a place that I could sit and ponder the fireworks and take pictures and dwell in the awe of their beauty. I searched for the "sparks", the "lights in the bright sky", but I never found them. I wanted the perfect place so that I could sit my camera bag down, take the time and caution to pull out my Canon camera, and snap away. Every time I was there, I missed them by only a few moments or the conditions weren't right to bring out my camera. The first time it was because of all the crazy people in the way-walking in the streets. I finally pulled over and was able to sit, but was behind the biggest Oak I had ever seen. The second time, the rain had canceled the fireworks and there were swarms of people coming towards me, like a zombie movie. I obviously had to sit and wait until they were past me, and clearly didn't get photos. This empty search reminded me of how many of God's children search for Him. They are constantly trying to search for the fireworks and sparks of Christianity, and they always come up short. They search for the "spark" that so many people talk about, but never find it. They fail to see the greatness of God's promise and message, because something ALWAYS gets in the way. A lot of the time, they are turned away from the swarms of people that call themselves Christians, but fail to show anything more than surface level Christianity. Sometimes there are hardships in life that keep them thinking that God is against them and not for them.
What I found today, to be the best firework show, was on the drive home from a visit with family. The entire Shenandoah Valley was lit up with bright, vibrant colors. It was exciting to be driving with a dark, void sky, and to see an occasional light show begin. I never knew when they would come, or where they would be located, but I knew that it was a beautiful surprise every time. I see myself searching for God in places I expect Him to be, along with every other person seeking God. It's so easy for us to be ready for God on our own time, under our own circumstances and conditions. But that's so clearly the opposite way that God works. Every time that God presents His spark to me, it is ALWAYS in places and in times of my life that I LEAST expect, and under circumstances and conditions out of my control. A frustrating and intriguing phenomenon, always.
I have no pictures of fireworks today. I have no documented memories of the fireworks I did see. They came and went, like a thief in the night, and always when my camera was not easily accessible. What I do have documented, from today, is my first picture using my new camera. What a great friend I have in my dog---he suffered through my frustration of not seeing the fireworks under my own circumstances and conditions. I think I wore him out during the search, but he stuck beside me, faithfully.
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