Celebrating in the City!

     Al and I had a most unusual Fourth of July celebration…at least unusual for us “country mice!” We decided to drive to Los Angeles on July 4th because our flight to Michigan was scheduled for early the next morning. The first big explosion of the day came when one of the tires of an oncoming car blew out, showering the highway with bits of rubber. Thankfully, we were able to stay in our lane and continued driving south without an accident in spite of being startled by the unexpected noise.  

     Al had found a good deal for a hotel conveniently close to the airport; and by mid-afternoon, we were settled into a room on the second floor. The sound of fireworks being set off in the neighborhood could already be heard.

     “I’ve been hearing them for a couple of days now,” reported the young lady who served dinner that evening. It sounded like a war zone!

    As soon as it got dark, I realized what a good view we had of the surrounding area. Being on the second floor, we were able to see several displays of fireworks going on simultaneously all over town.  Not counting the ones coming from nearby homes and apartments, the closest show was on Century Blvd. at the Exposition Park.

    While I sat on the window ledge watching the colorful displays, Al marveled at my excitement. It reminded me of all of the good times my family had on that holiday, sitting out on the front lawn to get good view of the pyrotechnics at Bakersfield College illuminating the night sky.

   “Why did I ever decide to drive down today?” he wondered. “We sure aren’t going to get any sleep tonight!”

    Not only were there the explosions from the fireworks. Every few minutes a plane would descend with a roar through the smoky air and approach the runway at the LAX. As the night progressed, the lights on the planes were barely visible. What must it have been like for the passengers on the planes? And how did the people putting on the show at Exposition Park coordinate with the control tower so that there weren’t any direct hits from the explosives?

    Whenever there was a really loud blast, the alarm on a car parked across the street from the hotel would start clanging until the owner could get his key and turn it off. This added to the excitement of the evening, along with the sirens of fire engines. I finally left my seat on the window ledge and went to bed; however the noise didn’t die down until about 3:00 a.m.

     All of the excitement was a big change for us since fireworks are prohibited in our area due to the danger of starting a brush fire. It was one memorable “birthday” party!

     Oh to be as excited about Jesus Christ’s great sacrifice on the cross and the power of His resurrection which have set us free from sin, from being enslaved by the devil and eternally separated from God! Oh to be so fired up by His amazing love that we light up the world around us and show others the way to know Him.

     Dear Father, Forgive us for being apathetic about your death, resurrection and the wonderful blessings you have bestowed upon us. Forgive us for taking the freedom from sin and bondage to Satan which you purchased through your blood for granted. Please set us, your children, on fire for you so that others might come to know your wonderful love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

      “…I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.” Rev 3:1b-3a NIV