Our family spent time preparing for a true celebration of Independence Day. We’ve all been studying the Declaration of Independence and the character and integrity of our nation’s Founding Fathers. What a rich heritage. Today, we spent time in prayer, thanking God–not only for the men who gave their lives to secure the liberty we so often take for granted–but also expressing our gratitude that God saw fit to place us here in this time. We could’ve been born somewhere else, in some other era, struggling through a very different set of trials. Yet these are the times He’s chosen for us.

So it was at the end of a restful, grateful, and pensive day, that I snuggled up next to Short Son with our heads at the foot of the bed, eyes focused on the skyline. It was time for bed and he needed routine tonight more than outdoor memories. Just above the treeline, we spotted a small firework display, and we hugged, watching in silence.

A few minutes later, the low-budget show was over, and the room remained quiet. For a bit.

“Mom? Are you asleep?”

“No.”

A moment passed.

“How about now? Are you asleep, Mama?”

“Nope.”

Tick, tick, tick.

“Mom, did you fall asleep yet?”

“Short Son, I can’t. You keep talking.”

“No, Mom. Seriously. You can go to sleep if you want. Know why?”

“Why?”

“Remember those fireworks out there?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a free country.”

Hey, the rest will sink in as he grows. For now, I’m grateful that he understands that we can rest when it’s time to rest. I’ve been places where that wasn’t the case, and I don’t want to take one moment of snuggle time in a peaceful land for granted. How about you?