“Don’t blow your fingers off.”
That is a frequent warning issued by parents this week, and even by others usually in jest, as fireworks are being detonated.
Yet, it is a legitimate concern, as every first week of July, there are numerous accidents, with explosives that seem so harmless.
Granted most of the hurt is minor as a firecracker explodes in one’s hand, but serious wounds are also always reported.
Before, we have expressed sarcasm about fireworks, and while that feeling still exists, we’ll forego it to appreciate how excitement gets so high for so many this season.
It is a memorable time for us, too, as in our adolescent days, we operated a “Fireworks Stand” in the front window of Buchman’s Grocery.
Our job for the first three days of July was to sell fireworks, with profits going to our savings account. Pay was high for the effort, with triple the return on our $25 investment. Every item was sold, so we didn’t even have any for our self, unless we happened to slip something away in the drawer that Mom didn’t know about.
The whole year depends on just a few days for several fireworks distributers who are now our friends and advertising customers. While they do special shows year around, if it rains during the Fourth of July week, their annual profits are sharply dampened. Weathermen predict hot times for hot business this time.
As one of our longgone cowboy friends would say, “That’s all fine and dandy,” but how many of the celebrators remember what they’re celebrating?
The Fourth of July is really Independence Day, a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
It is a celebration of our freedom, which so many quite readily forget. Let us at least reflect how fortunate we are to have that precious freedom, as we also save our fingers from a firecracker.
Reminds us of Second Corinthians 11:10: “My independence shall not be debarred.” Likewise, Second Corinthians 11:12: “I am determined to maintain this independence.” Thus, Galatians 5:13: “We are called to freedom through love to serve one another.” And, Philippians 1:20: “With the utmost freedom of speech and unfailing courage.”
+++ALLELUIA+++