"Baby, You're a Firework!"

In what seems like another life to me now, I worked in my family’s firework business. During the more than 30 years of selling fireworks, I often wondered why people were so draw them. And one day while pondering this thought, I saw a banner hanging outside with the word “Joy” in the middle.

Indeed, fireworks are designed for joy. They are constructed with specific elements that radiate certain colors and patterns...barium chloride for green, copper compounds for blue, lithium carbonate for red, aluminum and magnesium for whites and silvers. The designers know exactly the effect they are looking for when they put the fireworks shell together. And their work is a gift of joy to our eyes.

Pop songs have made the analogy that we are like fireworks. It’s corny, but true. We were designed with specific elements…a measure of wit or sensitivity or hospitality, a helping of talent or skill or curiosity, a sprinkling of unique insight or perspective. When the Designer planned us, He knew exactly the effect He was looking for. Believe it or not, like a firework, you are designed to be a joyous gift to the world.

Sometimes we assign the designation of shining to the likes of pop stars, poets, preachers and prophets. When the Holy Spirit came upon Zechariah at his son John the Baptists birth, “He said, ‘And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him…to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.’” Luke 1:76-79

I know we are all thinking that it sounds about right for a prophet. But for me? Yep, you were designed to shine!

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.…” Psalm 139:13

You are designed specifically by God for a purpose, here in this time and place. Just like a specific firework fits into and enhances a fireworks show. You were designed to shine the light of God through who you are and what you do. You are designed to reflect and carry that light. But that’s not all. Jesus said:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14

And who is always the source of light? God. He created us in His image and breathed life into us. Any light we have is a result of His creation. He did put individual, unique light in each of us. It is illuminated by the presence of His spirit living in us.

We share light in at least three ways:

We Emit…We carry it in us and into the circumstances and situations we encounter.

We Reflect…We convey the light.

We Amplify…We have the opportunity to recognize the light in people and call it out.

So the next time you see a firework in the night sky and feel that touch of joy and wonder, remember that is how God feels about you! And, He has a plan for you to shine the light of joy to the world.

Baby, you are a firework! Shine on, my friend!

Many Blessings & Happy 4th of July!