Observations

This weekend kids from across the United States will enjoy running around their yards with lit sparklers and launch fireworks from their driveways.   When I was a kid, I enjoyed the sparklers and fireworks too.   And have all ten of my fingers and can still hear pretty well.   My wife and kids say my hearing is getting bad.   Admittedly it is selective hearing…..:>)   

We have many freedoms.   Freedom to think what we do.   Say what we want to (pretty much).   Worship in the church of our choice.   Travel to and fro.   Eat what sounds good.   Actually too many freedoms to list here.  

The opposite of freedom is oppression and enslavement.   As a country we have been oppressed, but sadly people within our country have been and some continue to be.   We have come along way, and we have much further to go.  

Recently, I was asked by a friend if I could have dinner with someone past or present who would it be.   My top choice was Jesus.   I had three other alternatives: Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King, Jr.   Related to freedom, here is a quote from one of favorite people in history:

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

This Fourth of July you may be spending it with family and/or friends.   Maybe you will take in a parade where politicians give teethy smiles, hand out candy, shake hands and kiss babies.   You may grill Johnsonville brats, enjoy baked beans and a fresh fruit salad. At night you may watch the fireworks.  

Did you know that fireworks celebrations started as a represention of past wars fought for our freedom – rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air (lyrics from the Star Spangled Banner)?   When you gaze at the fireworks exploding and you “ooh and aah” at the beautiful colors lighting up the sky, please realize that there was a price paid.   Do you value your freedoms?

Wishing you a freedom-filled Fourth of July!!