Independence Day
I went into Eli's room this morning to wake him up, he was standing in his crib and greeted me with and emphatic Cock-a-doodle-dooooooo! He is my little morning rooster.
Eli is into watching baseball on TV but whenever someone drops the ball he acknowledges it by saying uh-oh. He knows what it's all about and that the ball shouldn't be dropped, yet I never had to fill him in on the logistics of the game. Baseball must be some inate thing in the male gene. Eli is engrossed by the game so much that it causes his mouth to drop open and his eyes to rarely blink. It's amazing how early a boys fascination with the great American past time begins.
Last year to commemorate the forth of July we went to an Atlanta Braves baseball game. Eli was nearly one and very enthralled by the crowd and all the excitement. He didn't care about the game too much but loved watching all the people and hearing the sounds of ball game. I was thinking about how much fun that was last year but that he was too young to really enjoy it. This year he would have really understood it all. He'd have been very entertained by watching the game and the parachuters fly into the stadium with their American flags. He surely would have called them balloons and have wanted to hold one. (He still doesn't quite get the whole special and size concept)
But this year was great too- not quite as much of an event, but simple summertime fun. After grilling out yummy steak we got all dressed up in patriotic attire (Yes I am cheezy like that and like to where red white and blue on the 4th of July- come on' it's the one day of the year you can get away with it!) we went to see our town's fireworks in Winter Springs. I'd say Eli was the biggest hit of the show for us and most of those around us. He was the cutest little firework there was, showing off all of his tricks for all to see.
The fireworks on the other hand were quite a flop. I think one of the mortars fired wrong and shot off all the other fireworks so they all exploded on the ground hardly visible. Needless to say the show did not end with a bang and there was no finally. After a long pause they decided to give up and turn the stadium lights back on which left a very disappointed patriotic crowd- good thing Eli was there to provide entertainment for all! Our 4th was a lot of fun. I am glad we stayed up late to go experience the fireworks or as Eli calls them, "sky-light-colors."
I know it must seem so cheezy but as I was walking to the fireworks I mentioned to my sister, who was beside me, that I really am so grateful to be an American. I rarely thank God for the privilege it is to live in this country and have all the amenities and opportunities that we have here. I know I often take it so much for granted. I am thankful to have a day to reflect on the privilege it is to have the freedom to be a Christian boldly and to worship God openly and publicly. How often do I take advantage of this?!?
Last week at our small group meeting there was a missionary from China sharing about her life. When it was over I was called on to close the meeting in prayer. As I was praying it was overwhelming to me how many times I take the freedom I have to share the gospel and be a Christian freely for granted. This girl, not much older than me, risks her life daily for the sake of the gospel and I get nervous to talk to my neighbor about going to church!
I want to pray for more boldness, for eyes to see the opportunities all around me to be a witness and share the light and love of Christ. I have wasted and walked by so much- oh that God would redeem this and change my heart. That he would embolden me and empower me to be a vessel of His love and light to the world. Revival in this country will start one conversation at a time.
posted by Kellie # 3:50 PM
