Family Fourth

 

The Fourth of July is a day of traditions, a day of fireworks and parades and barbecues and concerts, a day which celebrates the courage of those who fought for independence.

Independence Day may be a federal holiday on our calendar, but it’s also a pause in our life to reflect on what’s important to our country and the courage it took to make that happen hundreds of years ago.

We didn’t see any fireworks this year on the Fourth of July nor did we watch a parade or attend a concert or eat any barbecue; instead, our lives were lit up by family.

And this snapshot of our sons, Reid and Will, and their cousin Jen captures it all.

Three cousins. Walking and talking and laughing. Enjoying being together.  

And even though it was exciting to pass Troy Aikman jogging on the Katy Trail, the green-canopied path that runs through the Uptown and Oak Lawn areas of Dallas, the memory that will remain with me is this picture of family for it represents the encouragement we give each other.

Family who stands by us and walks with us at times when courage is needed and at times to celebrate the courage of others.

Once when the Apostle Paul was faced with a dangerous crowd, who looked like they were going to tear him to pieces, the Lord stood and said to Paul,  “Take courage!” (Acts 23:11 NIV). Later Paul encouraged Timothy, who was like family, by sharing his experiences with him.

And Paul leaves us with yet another beautiful picture of the Lord coming to our side, standing by us, giving us encouragement to live our lives courageously. The Lord came to Paul, who shared with Timothy, who shares with us. And then we go and stand by someone else, encouraging that person. And as we walk and talk and stand by each other, encouraging each other, the Lord is right there with us. To me, that’s a picture of family.

Undoubtedly our founding fathers were brave, convicted, heroic men who stood together and encouraged each other. Today, courage spreads like the fireworks that light up the sky on the Fourth of July. Friends and family encouraging each other, sharing that spirit that enables us to look up and face difficulties and dangers and to act bravely. A picture of courage at its best.

“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said,

“Take courage”

(Acts 23:11a NIV).

“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength”

(2 Timothy 4:17a NIV).