When I was a child, I loved celebrating Independence Day. I loved the cookouts, picnics and parades and I especially loved the fireworks. As I got older, I began to appreciate the reason we celebrate more than the celebration itself. I loved celebrating the birth of this magnificent nation and the freedoms that I enjoy as one of it’s citizens.

As I got even older, and became a mother, the celebration itself became even less appealing to me. I began to dread the annual fireworks. As the fireworks stands went up, so did my anxiety level. I still enjoyed watching them, but I worried about the danger associated with them. I worried about the safety of my children and my home and property.

My fear has become reality a couple of times. The first, was several years ago when one of my sons was badly burned by a defective firework. The second, was last night when an errant firework threatened to burn down my home.

Last night, I was sitting at my dining room table working on a project that should have been completed much earlier in the day. The sun was setting and the window blinds were closed. I moved the blinds just enough to look out the window and happened to see an orange glow reflecting off of my daughter’s car. For a moment, I assumed that it was just the setting sun, but something told me to take another look. As I peeked out the window, I saw the back corner of my house engulfed in flames.

I have no way of knowing exactly how it happened. I do not know where the misguided firework came from. I do not know who shot it off or why it landed so close to my home. What I do know, is that my Heavenly Father was watching over me and my home last night.

I know that the corner of my house that caught fire is only visible from one window in my home. I know that I almost never sit near that window at that time of night. I know that I looked out that window at the exact moment that the flames began to engulf my home. I know that because I did, we were able to put the fire out with minimal damage to my home and family.

I do not know why my Heavenly Father chose to save my home and family at this time, but I know that He did. I know that He is in control and that He knows me personally and watches over me. I know, that if I am listening, He will lead me in the direction and path that He wants and needs me to follow.

Most of all, I know, that if I follow that path, in the end, I will be safe no matter what.