Let's Celebrate!
by Pastor Kermit Welty, Columbus First FMC (OH)

I have been reflecting on the recent death of former President Ronald Reagan. Our nation is mourning his passing through his lying in state, funeral and burial services.

As a child in the 50's and a teen in the 60's, I well remember the "threat" of communism and the era of the Cold War. In a Newsweek article released earlier this month, Nancy Reagan states that seeing the end of the Cold War is the event President Reagan considered to be his most significant achievement.

Not too long ago our nation honored those who gave their lives for the freedoms we cherish. On June 6th we contemplated the bravery of those in the military who established the beachhead in France — on a day that altered the lives of untold families as spouses, parents and siblings lost their lives and many more were forever transformed by the injuries their loved ones received.

Soon, on July 4th, we will celebrate freedom on probably the most well-known of our patriotic holidays: Independence Day. I recognize that in reality, I seldom contemplate the cost paid by individual citizens — mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, grandparents and fiancés — who helped provide us with our freedom. Amidst the pageantry, parades, picnics and pyrotechnics, the 4th of July annually becomes a grand occasion.

And I am glad we have a day set aside to celebrate our freedom. Indeed, it is one of my favorite holidays. However, I am also grateful that we acknowledge other holidays as well — days set aside for the purpose of remembering and contemplating certain aspects of our nation. Among them are President's Day (3rd Monday in February), Armed Forces Day (3rd Saturday in May), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Flag Day (June 14), Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October) and Veteran's Day (Nov. 11).

Within the church we also have "holidays," — Easter and Christmas are the most widely recognized. I appreciate the festivities of Christmas and the decorum that accompanies Easter. However, in the same way we enjoy our freedom 365 days a year, I want us to focus on our personal relationship with the Heavenly Father on a daily basis as well. While holidays are excellent reminders of our blessings, they are inadequate expressions of all we have received.

We need to be people who appreciate the freedoms we have been given — both politically and spiritually — they have been paid for at great cost and have now been entrusted to us. As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, with all it's tradition and fun, let's remember that every day is a day to celebrate our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.