Happy Fourth of July… (A Mini-Post and Tribute)

Happy Fourth of July, friends…

Just a brief mini-post to wish you a safe, fun-filled holiday.

I hope your celebration includes family, friends, food, and of course, a few fireworks. Whatever your day brings, I pray it’s also a time of quiet reflection.

For our family, this holiday is bittersweet.

Last Sunday evening, my father-in-law passed away. It was sudden and traumatic—the loss immediate and swift.

Instead of planning menus and picnics, we discussed heart attacks and funeral arrangements. We mourned the death of our dad— “a simple, unpretentious man who graciously gave and never wanted or expected anything in return.” (My husband’s words.)

We’re comforted in knowing our dad was a Christian. Above all, he loved God, family, and country.

He liked talking planes because he was a pilot.

He studied the weather and was our armchair weatherman.

He hunted.

Fished.

Camped.

Enjoyed nature.

Liked cookies.

He was a photographer.

A servant.

A protector.

A patriot.

A friend.

A brother.

A husband.

A dad.

A grandpa.

A get-to-the-point soul who stood on conviction—not because it was popular. Because it was right.

If something was nonsense, he’d tell you. Straight up and without preamble.

He didn’t have much use for laziness, facades, or cruel intent. Deliberate harm annoyed him.

He favored effort, hard work, and stick-to-it-ness.

He wasn’t one to toot his own horn.

The man—my father-in-law—was just a man. But wow… what a man he was.

For those of you who’ve walked this road, you’re familiar with the dueling emotions. The ones that seep in and threaten to upend at the most awkward times.

Today, as you celebrate our country’s independence, would you please remember our family in your prayers?

We’ll celebrate in a different way and we’ll consider the independence of one no longer fettered by earthly constraints.

Right now our grief is fresh. Our burden, wearisome.

We seek the peace that passes all understanding…

***

A specific prayer request:

My father-in-law’s funeral will be held on Monday, July 7th at 10:00 a.m.

Please pray for our family during that time.

Pray especially for my mother-in-law’s strength and upgirding on that day and in the days ahead.

***

I’m taking a blogging break for a short time.

I’ll return again on Wednesday, July 9th, circumstances permitting.

What are your thoughts today on this Fourth of July?

May God Bless America and May We, in Turn, be a Blessing to Him.

Love You in Jesus,