Fireworks and Freedom

The 4th of July -- what a great day....and the highlight? The fireworks. We eagerly await the coming dusk as day turns to night, the flash as the first rocket soars into the sky and bursts into colors that dazzle our senses. The collective "ooh's" and "awes" of the crowd unite us in feelings of hope and gratitude for the freedom they represent. But what cost, this freedom? Do we remember the lives given so that we can be a free nation? Do we remember with thankful hearts the Founding Fathers and the wisdom they were endowed with from on high as they drafted the Bill of Rights and the Constitution that govern our land? Do we thank God, our Father, for the freedom we enjoy and do we remember to ask his blessing on those who govern us now? Do we remember those, who even now, give their lives for our freedom? Perhaps, on this day of celebration, all these thoughts crowd our minds and fill us -- but may we remember these same blessings every day and thank God for them.