Since I'm admittedly much older than the average myspacer online, often I catch myself trying to apply meaning with all that I do. This probably won't mean a hill of squat to the young folks as those in your twenties are chasing other pursuits(cough! cough!). Rain kept many of the fireworks on delay here in Big D. I got a chance to catch a nap before watching the Rangers fall to my pick for the Cy Young award if he stays healthy-Roy Halladay.
Many famous well to do people share this birthday. Two that come to mind are George Steinbrenner and Al Davis.
Like many of you as an American I think about the significance of the holiday, the sacrifices made for this holiday to be made possible, send a thought and a prayer to those who served or still do, and then I think the following...
As the fireworks go off, what goes through the mind of those who watch? Is it merely an exercise in escapism? Might the fireworks and all their colors be a symbol for how one might want life to be? Or is July 4th another day in the calendar to 'just buy a six pack, pig out, and get a buzz going?' Is this show more for the kids or the adults?
The reason I bring this up is because I saw a sight that I RARELY ever see...While walking home at the end of the Ranger game, Randol Mill is awash with cars parked on the road. Every year the fireworks show draws a HUGE number of people young and old. While walking back I saw hundreds of people just sitting, waiting, anticipating, as little kids were bouncing around just waiting to see the action kick off.
Once the fireworks started I saw a a huge crowd of cars parked at Walmart. Every race, every group of individual (many inebriated but behaving) music blaring, lots of talk and some yelling. For any other get together the lot smelled of anarchy...
The moment the fireworks began, you could hear a pin drop. For 15 minutes I witnessed a rare moment in which a sea of humanity looked skyward for a respite, for excitement, for a moment to ponder, to yell, to give thanks, fill in your phrase here. It made me smile. It also made me wonder, 'Is this what it shall resemble when God or Lord Jesus decide to reveal themselves'?
Relax, I'm not here to save a soul or push an agenda, but think about something. Aside from July 4th, aside from rooting for a favorite team, aside from a shuttle launch, how many things are there in life that bring people together, regardless of class, race, or income? This is what went through my mind as I saw all these happy faces look to the sky. Twas the one time I wish I had a camera!!!
Let me also go on record to state that in five plus years in the South the level of friendship and hospitality I have experienced is unequaled anywhere! If it's a Southern thing then they get Git-R-Done. Then again maybe I should just shut my mind off and enjoy the sounds and smells of a holiday that people just want to enjoy. What the hell? I can live with that, rainfall and all.
Yes, it was my moment, and my thoughts. This old man was brave enough to share.
Over and out in Big D
Mr Will