Fireworks & Fireflies: The Sacred Sparkle of Childhood

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” — James 1:17 (NIV)

Last night, under a warm July sky, I had the joy of watching my son and his friends celebrate the Fourth of July. We lit fireworks, of course—and the bursts of color and light were beautiful, but what struck me even more deeply was the delight the kids found in something so simple: chasing fireflies through the grass.

Yelling and laughing, they ran through the yard with big smiles and wide eyes. It was pure joy. No phones. No screens. Just the sound of laughter, the twinkling lights of fireflies, and the sparkle of fireworks.

And in that moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude.

I was reminded that the most beautiful gifts in life aren’t things we can buy. They’re the quiet moments. The shared laughter. The innocence of a child running freely on a summer night. These are the memories that last. These are the snapshots of childhood our children will carry with them for a lifetime.

As I watched, I thought of how God calls us to return to childlike faith, to see the world with wonder again, to trust, to laugh, to find joy in what is simple. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

There’s something sacred about the way children live fully in the moment. They aren’t thinking about yesterday’s worries or tomorrow’s plans. They’re present. They’re open. And when you really watch them, you can almost feel heaven touching earth in their play.

Last night reminded me of the kind of life I want to build, not just for my son, but for myself. A life rooted in what matters. A life of simplicity, laughter, and presence. A life where I don’t rush past the fireflies.

Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of these moments. For fireworks and fireflies. For giggles in the dark. For the gift of childhood and the reminder to slow down and notice Your goodness all around us.

Because the truth is, joy isn’t something we chase. It’s something we notice. And last night, I noticed it everywhere.

With warmth & love,

Letters for the Journey 🇺🇸

photo credit: EvgeniiAnd