Fireworks

We waited in the dark. Then on the lake we saw the first spray of sparks. There was a splatter of gold and BANG! a Roman Candle shot off eight bright bombs straight over head. The Fourth of July Fireworks display had finally begun. I love fireworks. They take my breath away, the surprise of bright patterns, the joy of huge rings sparkling in the air. I smile till my face hurts. My ears ring from the bombs of noise and my eyes water from staring so hard at the night sky. It at once hurts and is great fun. I could watch for hours. It seems the show goes on and on, yet in only 20 minutes it’s over. It was drop-jaw-wonderful to watch. I yelled at the night sky for the thrill of it all. I picture the flashes of brilliance in my mind and a twinkle of joy lingers.

When we do something out of the ordinary for another it flashes a sparkle of pleasure in their day. We shine God’s grace in the lives of others. Good deeds are fleeting though. They sparkle only as long as a firework in the sky. The happy memory of a kind act will linger in someone’s mind but do get the feeling back another gesture of grace will have to explode in their day. The flash of fireworks effect all those around. The person who ignites the display gets as much pleasure as the folks sitting on the grassy hill watching. When grace sparkles through us we all get to feel the joy.

Some fireworks are small and personal, like the hand held sparkler. Opening the door for another or using courtesy and good manners. Some fireworks are noisy and attraction a lot of attention. Giving big gifts of money to a worthy cause. Some fireworks seem to go on and on explosion and after explosion. The volunteer who shows up every week to help. And when the display is all over, the planning begins for next year. Hopefully it won’t be a year between explosion of grace in our lives and the lives of those around us. Shine the brilliance of grace in your world today.

Posted 7/5/2006 @ 7:55 AM | Weekly Thoughts