fireworks
I reached into my pocket to pull out my phone to take a photo of the fireworks.
The small town we are staying in always has a spectacular 4th of July fireworks show.
We stood on the shore of Lake Michigan, watching the hot colors explode and dissolve in the distance, lighting up the sky, sparking nostalgia.
I’m a writer.
Nostalgia always seems to spark and I wanted to capture it.
But then, as my hand entered my pocket I changed my mind.
I didn’t need my phone.
I didn’t need to take a photo.
I wanted to enjoy the moment for what it was.
I wanted to be right where I was and nowhere else.
Last week I was reading the book of Revelation.
I used to be afraid of that book, but it turns out it isn’t as scary as I once believed.
There is hope woven through every word, a reminder of something greater.
In Revelation 22, the last chapter of the Bible, the writer writes this about heaven:
There will be no more night.
They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,
for the Lord God will give them light.
And they will reign for ever and ever.
I like that.
A lot.
But these words got me wondering …
If there is no night or darkness, will there be fireworks in heaven?
I haven’t been to Heaven, but I believe it to be full of rejoicing and singing and praise and wonder.
A perfect place for fireworks.
But without the darkness are fireworks needed?
Or maybe fireworks are a reminder of heaven while on earth?
And if there aren’t fireworks in heaven, I’ll be okay.
Because I’ll be right where I have always wanted to be.
Home.
Give the darkness a surprise
and send lights across the night sky.
Spark awe in every child’s eye
and out of the quiet hear me ask why.
Why is it that we only set off fireworks once a year?
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