God's Fourth of July

Another Fourth of July has come and gone. This year, with the fourth being on a weekend most folks received an extra day of celebration. How does everyone celebrate? Some of us have cookouts with friends, some go boating, some camp. Almost everyone enjoys the fireworks. This year I stopped at a road side stand and purchased some sparklers and a few other types of firecrackers that looked harmless. Upon sharing this with my husband, I received a mild look of distress. I'm sure my rebellious teen years came to his mind. I would like to state for the record I was not near as wild as some. I usually erred on the side of caution... Yeah, my husband doesn't buy that either. Seriously though, I did.
I thought about how we celebrated the Fourth when I was a kid. We'd go to a parade and ride all the fair rides afterward. We'd eat lunch there too and then go home to rest up for the evening. As late afternoon approached we'd go to our small carnival benefitting the swim team, eat supper at a nearby friends' and then settle in for the fireworks. All in all a fun way to celebrate.
I don't think I always remembered the reason for the celebration. Our nation's freedom, etc. I reflect on it a lot more now. The men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Our country may not be perfect but whose is? And we do enjoy a lot more priviledges than other countries.
This year I was reminded to pray for our president and all our elected officials. For God to give them wisdom as they lead our country. For discernment as they vote on legislation that will shape our lives. I also prayed for them to pray. God leads all of us. We just have to remember to listen. He knows what's best for us and our country. No matter what some think, we are still one nation under God. Always and forever.