July 4th is still a week away, but we’re already anticipating sparklers, poppers, and assorted other low-power pyrotechnics at our house. My husband is the pyro master (his mother would tell you she saw that coming from a young age!), and is training the girls in the art of proper (and safe!) fireworks displays.
As I was looking back through pictures from previous years’ July 4th celebrations, I saw this one, and it reminded me of this wonderful quote that I recently discovered through my friend Bill Butler’s Maya Angelou Tribute.
“I believe that each of us comes from the Creator, trailing wisps of glory.” – Dr. Maya Angelou
Poets such as Angelou and Wordsworth have said it much better than I ever could, and I can’t help but agree with them.
There is something profoundly worth thinking about in this quote. We don’t just show up on this earth by chance – we come from somewhere. From Someone. And we don’t just show up all covered in goop and the stench of a broken world, but we arrive still trailing the glory of our Creator behind us.
Is this why all babies are beautiful? Why children have a certain light in their eyes? Maybe that spark is short lived in some people, due to circumstances and life getting in the way. But with each sunrise or sunset, with each rainbow after a storm, each hug from a friend, we sense that connection. That trail of glory, leading back to our Creator.
This, as I’ve said before, is why we respond to beauty and seek it out. We came from something more, and we were created for something more.
So go out and grab some sparklers this week. Light ’em up, and as you’re staring into the mesmerizing swirl of light, think about this. You cannot just look at a spark. Your eye is inevitably drawn back to the source. As beautiful as it is, no spark can exist on its own for more than a second or two, so our eyes seek the fire, not just the spark. And that is a good way to live our lives.
Happy July 4th, everybody! Be safe with those fireworks, and go look for some beauty. I promise it’s there.
creativekkids
Saturday 5th of July 2014
We have some sparklers that we still need to do! Thanks for linking up at the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned it to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Meredith
Monday 14th of July 2014
Thanks Tammy! I think we have a few sparklers and party poppers left over too. :)
tuhinmech
Saturday 5th of July 2014
We indeed are sent for a cause...and everything happens for a reason. Well said. Cheers.and belated happy independence day. :)
Meredith
Monday 14th of July 2014
I agree Tuhin, and thanks!
crystalzakrison
Thursday 3rd of July 2014
I love fireworks! I am in gulf shores Alabama right now and they had local fireworks going off last night. It was great because I could see them right in fRont of my balcony. I hope you have a happy fourth of July! :)
Meredith
Friday 4th of July 2014
That sounds awesome! Nothing like a front row seat over the water. Happy 4th to you too!
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com
Thursday 3rd of July 2014
I loved this post. The picture of your daughter was adorable. I remember the fun of having sparklers to play with when I was younger. I think I need to go find some to relive that fun past and for the grandkids who are visiting. :-)
Ilaria
Thursday 3rd of July 2014
Your daughter is beautiful Meredith! You're right, children have a particular light in their eyes.. Happy 4th July to you and all your family :)
Meredith
Friday 4th of July 2014
Thanks Ilaria, for your comment and well-wishes!