Several years ago I had to be away from home on the fourth of July and I couldn’t be with my family. I usually like to spend that day with friends and family and I especially like to see fireworks. Every time I would go through a different town I would slow down to see what people were doing. I noticed that people seemed to be having good times. You could see the barbeque pits or smokers putting off their smoke. Some people were making homemade ice cream while others were eating watermelons. Children were running around and playing while parents and grandparents were sitting around visiting. Our nation was celebrating its day of independence. As I remembered my childhood and the many times my father could not be with us because he was away protecting our country. Many others over the years (because of their love of freedom, this country and their love for us) have given their lives so we could be free. I realized that freedom has a great cost. Let us not lose sight of that as we enjoy this holiday. I also remembered someone else who (Jesus) paid a great price (He gave his life) so we could be forgiven and free before God (Mark 10:45.1 John 3:16). Jesus paid the price so we could have eternal life (Jude 1:21). Jesus also gave us freedom (Galatians 5:1). Let us cherish what He has done. See you in church on Sunday.