Pastor Dan - July 2019

 Here in Tucson, the month of July is generally the month in which the skies light up. The skies will be the curtain for Fourth of July fireworks and the month of July also often carries with it the lightening of the monsoon season. One of these events I don’t mind getting up close and personal and the other, I don’t want to be up close and personal. I have experienced both. It’s a blessing to be a part of a Fourth of July fireworks gathering. To be close enough to see the colors of the sky reflect on the faces of your neighbor and to actually feel the “boom” of each color display is to experience this celebration of Liberty and Freedom in splendor and awe. Often times, these events create memories that last a lifetime. To experience the monsoon by having the hair stand up all over your body or to have the tree in your backyard catch fire is to experience the monsoon in a way that is a little too close for my liking; but this too creates memories that last a lifetime.

 The earliest Fourth of July memory I hold is of a Fourth of July celebration at Kimball Park in San Diego. I’m not sure how old I was, but I do remember darkness and crowds of people and then bright sparkling skies with incredibly loud booms which caused me to cover my ears. I remember being uncomfortable with each boom. The next Fourth of July I remember, we spent on an empty lot overlooking the distance of our neighborhood to the bay. We were able to see several shows from that spot. We did this because it was difficult for my dad to walk, especially in crowds, and so the neighbors and us thought this was the best way to celebrate. I really don’t remember another Fourth of July after that until I was in college. I spent the summer working in Salt Lake City and spent that Fourth of July with a roommate from college and his family at a park. Here, I saw family and was moved in many ways that night.

 The next several Fourth of July celebrations I remember involved our children. I remember the Fourth of July in Williams, AZ. The air was thick because of a monsoon storm previously passing thorough and the fireworks were very up close and personal. I remember another Fourth of July standing on the roof of the “Dove” house, here in Tucson, with my kids and friends and watching four or five shows from that roof. This night was special for me because here too, I saw and was family.

 These Fourth of July memories obviously have made a lasting impression upon my life. It wasn’t the shows or weather or music or sounds I remember that make these particular celebrations memorable; it is the people. The relationships that the Lord has blessed us with are that which create the lasting memories. Yes, there were some spectacular shows, and as impressive as they were, I don’t remember many of the Fourth of July fireworks shows I’ve seen. I have spent these memorable Fourth of July celebrations in the relationship of family and friends given by God. It is the memory of spending time with these saints, standing together in the darkness, in anticipation of knowing the powerful light will dispel the darkness and bring awe and joy into our hearts which make these nights memorable.

 I pray that we remember the power of being in relationship and how our presence and words can impact the life of the people around us. All people. This July, foster relationship and continue to create memories that last a lifetime.

In Christ’s love and service,

Pastor Dan