Most of us have probably seen a fireworks show at some point in our life. The big “boom” that changes the color of the sky as lights shoot up above us. The traditional explosions and the ones that form shapes or spell out words for the occasion, like U-S-A. But what about the fireworks show that happens each and every day?

Our lives, and our nation, has new “booms” occurring daily and here we are sitting, waiting for something new to surprise us. Sometimes we like it, sometimes we think it could’ve been better. We are constantly waiting for that new spark to ignite in the sky and form something beautiful, but just like anything else, it takes time, patience, and sometimes a little compromise from all involved. Maybe we don’t like every show we see because it was “boring." Is it really possible for fireworks to be boring? Do we think something that can be so mind-blowing and eye-appealing be considered boring? Maybe we are just overlooking what goes into the steps to make those bright colors and entertaining shapes. We are eagerly awaiting one after another as we wait for something new to happen in our lives so we can applaud it, or for some, look for a way to criticize until it meets our level and idea of perfection.

Life in and of itself is both amazing and mind-boggling. So many people are out there making remarkable changes and helping others and some are living their dreams making something of themselves regardless of their background or upbringing. I try to treat each day as a new day and live in a positive way. One of our country’s most popular (and one of my dad’s favorite) actors was John Wayne, who said:

“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. It comes into us at midnight very clean and pure. It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands, and it hopes we learned something from yesterday.”

Just like at a fireworks show, I witness many surprises and I am a part of something beautiful. Our nation is something to be so very proud of and we should want to make it the best it can be and see its beauty in each new “boom." Those working behind the scenes to construct the “fireworks” are so much smarter than we acknowledge and with patience and time, we see their work come together and create something beautiful in the sky. If we choose to live life ignoring the beauty and overlooking what others put in, we miss out on a lot of really awesome talent and beauty.

The Fourth of July, our Independence Day, is a time to acknowledge the many efforts and sacrifices that have occurred over the past several hundred years to afford us this wonderful republic was founded on freedom. But, it is also a time to also look at our lives and assess where we are and where we want to go. I challenge you to take time to recognize when someone is succeeding and wait patiently for the big “booms” to happen, because some will surprise you, and some will be even more beautiful than you predicted.