It's the day that we celebrate our freedom as Americans. Actually, it's a day late. Sorry ...

I've been busy beyond belief. I spent yesterday with my daughter and her friends (my son had other plans) at Blue Lake Park. Music. Food. People. Fireworks. A great day of celebration.

Except... we were all sadly reminded just how temporary this celebration is. A teenage boy drowned right in the middle of the festivities. The sight of news helicopters, diving teams, and rescue vehicles seemed oddly out of place on this special day.

I felt such a sense of loss. I didn't know this boy or his family and I can only begin to imagine the horror of a family outing turned worst nightmare. We stopped and prayed for this boy and his family. It seemed almost obscene to see a majority of the crowd still celebrating as if nothing major was occurring just a beyond the shoreline.

For me, the celebration took on a whole new meaning. I was once again reminded of the temporary nature of any party here on earth. We only have today, this moment, this second. Anything can happen. Anything.

However, if we are daughters or sons of the King, in relationship with the Son, Jesus Christ, we have a future celebration that will never cease. For all eternity we will be joyously rejoicing in the presense of God almighty.

Last I heard, this young man remained in critical condition. He was underwater for fifteen minutes. I don't know his name or his personal story. What I do know is he is hanging between this world and the next. Can we join together and pray for God to give him a full recovery? Let's pray for his family and friends to find comfort in the Lord during this tragic time.

Lastly, let us rejoice that in our country we can still openly pray in Jesus' Name for our sick. Other countries don't have that same luxury. This truth is indeed cause for fireworks.