Awe and Wonder

Dear Friends in Christ -
Want to experience joy? See fireworks with a thrillseeking 3-year-old.

Last night, Ed and I and Wynne and Ben went down to the Riverwalk to see fireworks with our friends. It was a perfect summer evening. The weather was glorious, the food was delicious, and the company was delightful. We ate and talked as the kids snacked off our plates, listened to the band, had a gross-out adventure using the port-a-potties, and then settled in to watch the fireworks.

Ben sat next to me in the umbrella stroller, with a dazzling smile on his face as the first firework burst, lighting up the sky and pouring light down on us. After the second and third fireworks popped open like umbrellas of colored stars, he turned to me, poked my arm with his little finger and said with an awe-filled voice, "Thaaaat's greaaaat!"

Time ceased to exist as we reveled in the bursts exploding endlessly overhead; we aaahhed and gasped and clapped, exclaiming over our favorite ones. Mid-way through the show, Wynne climbed into Ed's lap and Ben climbed into mine. Ben, in full-blown amazement that the brilliant explosions kept coming, felt words insufficient to express his wonder, so he simply started yelling, "YEEEAAAHHH!" as loud and long as he could. Our joy rolled in waves together as we all started yelling together each time he initiated the call, "YEEEAAAHHH!" "YEEEAAAHHH!" "YEEEAAAHHH!

Wonder-full, simply wonder-full. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of joy and wonder in all your works - this night, in fireworks. Amen.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+