Cancelled Fireworks!

Since we've been living here in Monmouth County, New Jersey,  each year Kim and I have been going to see fireworks on the beach at one of our local beach towns to celebrate Independence Day. Even though it might not be the best fireworks show in town, I've loved going early to eat dinner on the beach, play frisbee or spike ball, hang out with friends, and then watch the fireworks. Last year, however, the fireworks show was cancelled due to COVID restrictions. So I was really looking forward to this year's show.  I just found out, however, just the other night this year's show was as well cancelled for other reasons. BUMMER! I am so disappointed! 

I think for many of us, this year's fireworks shows are another sign of returning to some sort of post-COVID normalcy. To be able watch fireworks with our friends and family, gather for a backyard BBQ, or go to a swimming pool without tons of restrictions makes this 4th of July feel a little more free (pun intended!).  Of course, that's on top of being able to eat in a restaurant, go to the gym, or most importantly, attend church without lots of restrictions. I think it's all been quite a lesson regarding the many things in life we take for granted, including the freedoms we enjoy as a nation. 

We often forget that even today there are places in our world where Christians (or people of other religions) cannot gather to worship without fear of repercussion from their government. There are many places wherein peaceful protests are met with bullets and jail time, media outlets are shut down and burned to the ground for not bringing the message the government wants them to bring, and pastors are jailed for preaching the gospel. It's true, our country may not be perfect or all we would like it to be, yet we are still a nation that enjoys freedoms that those in other parts of the world can only hope for and dream of. 

I am going to really miss the fireworks show once again this year. After all, it's such a great way to celebrate our nation. But with or without the fireworks, let's not forget to give thanks to God for the many blessings we as a people often take for granted and yet continue to enjoy. 

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, 'Save us, God our Savior;  gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.' Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,  from everlasting to everlasting." (1 Chronicles 16:34-36 - NIV) 

Have a great day and a wonderful Independence Day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris