Through a Toddler's Eyes

It's the Fourth of July, Independence Day, our nation's 238th birthday.  We are thankful to live in a country where we can celebrate our many freedoms.  Like many people in the United States, we celebrated this day with a picnic and fireworks.


This was the first year that Levi, who is almost eleven, was allowed to light fireworks by himself.  He was so excited, and so careful.


Two-year-old Tobin is too little to remember previous Fourth of July festivities.  He sat, wide-eyed, on various laps, munching on a few M & Ms and a little kettle corn, while we watched the spectacular fireworks display at the football stadium last night.  He was so tired by the time the fireworks finished at 10:00, but he was determined to keep his eyes open so he wouldn't miss a thing.


Tonight, Tobin was content to watch a few neighborhood fireworks before he put on his pajamas and headed home to bed.  But, he tried out some sparklers first, with a little help from Mom and Dad.

 
What would it be like if we could all see this day through a toddler's eyes?  Do you remember those special evenings when the world was a safe and exciting place, filled with family and fun?  Do you remember those times, so long ago, when even a sparkler was magical, and staying up past bedtime was a rare treat?   Do you remember snuggling on someone's lap, gazing in awe at a magnificent night sky?  

These days, it is too easy to complain about the smoke and the noise and the inconsiderate neighbors who shoot off fireworks at all hours of the day and night, for ten days in a row.  I wish that we could all see this day through a toddler's eyes once again, with one addition.  Tobin doesn't yet understand why we celebrate Independence Day.  But, the rest of us have no excuse.  We are blessed to live in the United States of America, where we are still free to live wherever we want, work at jobs of our choice, worship whenever and however we want, and celebrate however we wish.  This is a day to celebrate!

I pray that Tobin will be able to celebrate our nation's independence for many years to come, even when he has grandchildren of his own.

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