Gift 4 - I Love A Parade!

Photo from Google Images

My gift today was for my two children.  I took them to a local 4th of July parade that has been held for many years.  My dad always loved this parade, and was even in it a few times for his job.  I didn't have children when my dad was in the parade, but I think they would have gotten a big kick out of seeing him go by them.  I'm sure he would have been throwing some of their favorite candy too.  Lots of it. 

As I watched my son scramble for candy, and my daughter eye the shriners suspiciously from her stroller, I reflected on how much I love the community where I live.  It is a college town, a medium sized city with several "bedroom" communities around it, and it is very family oriented.  This weekend alone, we had access to two different music festivals as well as three separate firework displays.  That doesn't include any of the regular weekend activities - Farmer's Markets, family storytime at the library, and dips in the three public pools, just to name a few.  I grew up here, went to college here, and am making a conscious decision to raise my children here.  I love it here!

My prayer of gratitude today is for the beautiful city that I call home.  I am so grateful for all that it has to offer to me and my family.  I also said a prayer of thanks and safe keeping to the men and women of the military who are so far from home today.  I pray that they stay safe so that next year they can celebrate our nation's independence with their own families, in the place that they each call "home".