Happy 4th of July

Against the black curtain of the night sky
The bright, brilliant, bold colors suddenly appear.
Flashes of light.
Sounds that at first make us jump.
And yet, the fear is quickly replaced with wonder.
It is one of the moments, we might realize why the Bible talks about the "Fear of the Lord."
It isn't a fear of someone who will hurt or harm you.
It isn't a fear of someone that can't be trusted.
It isn't a fear of someone smiting you.

Fear is that first response that quickly turns toward wonder.
The "Ooos" and "Ahhs" of encountered God's embrace
Are even more delight-filled than the fireworks tonight.

We need moments of being amazed.
We need moments of serendipitous surprise.
When we don't know what is coming next, but we keep
Waiting
Watching
Wondering
What if we took that posture and practice to the sacred?
What if we looked upon the world to see where God is moving in ways we might still say, "Ahh"?
What if we stayed open to God, not always wanting to push our own agenda?
What if we sat back, every now and then, and realized God is still telling the glory of heavens around us and through us.

Enjoy the fireworks tonight.
Continue to find ways to be part of making your community more just and loving (embodying the words of the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom Come")
Continue to let your light be a firework in the lives of others.
For indeed, God is still inspiring and immersing us to bring love, peace, justice, wonder, and surprise into the world today.

Many blessings ~~