FREEDOM

Yesterday was the Fourth of July. It was our first Fourth on the beach since before Michele and I were married. The evening began with our usual holiday plan - find a place to watch fireworks. We found one at a village resort just a few miles down Hwy 98. It was going to be fun. Face painting, water slides, and a host of activities for the children. Just one small problem, we stood in line for 45 minutes to learn that the shuttles would likely stop running before we would get on. We were too late.

Plan B - go to the show on the beach at the same resort. The agent made it sound easy enough. But after about a mile trek (with a 2 year old on my neck and keeping a 4 year old out of the road and convincing a 12 year old, 10 year old, and 7 year old that they didn't need to rescue a crying lost kitten), we had just about had enough. But we pressed on, and once we arrived on the scene the prospect became no easier. Keeping the Beatty clan contained on the beach, with about 2000 people around, in the dark proved just as stressful. Then, of course, came the barrage of requests. "Daddy, I'm thirsty." "Daddy, I want to shoot fireworks." "Daddy, I'm hungry." "Daddy, I want one of those glow in the dark things to go around my neck." "Daddy, is it time to go home yet?"

Once the fireworks began, it didn't take long to realize that this wasn't just a show; it was going to be an experience. The fireworks were incredible. The musical selections were amazing. The energy level was high. The kids were mesmorized as each kaboom exploded against the black backdrop. The moon shone brightly off to the right, as it danced happily on top of the cresting waves. Indeed, in the busyness and hecticness of life, we found God's grace.

This was the best fireworks show we had ever attended. But how often do we take such things for granted? Once the fireworks began, as looked out over the horizon, I began to wonder....while I am on this beach celebrating freedom, how many men and women are right now under the ocean's edge protecting our sandy shores. How many men and women are on top of the sea serving to protect our freedom? How many on land? How many in the air?

I had a conversation with a man three years ago who worked with the military's anti-terrorism group and he mentioned how most would be amazed at how much goes into making sure that we sleep well every night. Sobering reminder that Freedom isn't free. It's costly! And I thank God on this Fourth of July weekend that we can go to the beach, or wherever we choose, to celebrate God's sacred blessing of FREEDOM!
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