Red, White and True Blue

This is our American Independence Day, July 4th. One of the joys of living in small town Texas is that this holiday is celebrated in a big way. The day's festivities are kicked off with a parade that winds through town. The usual participants are there; high school band, floats, horse and mules, antique cars, people on bicycles, fire trucks....the usual. The streets will be lined with old and young alike. Some will occupy lawn chairs with a handy ice chest nearby to hold water and soft drinks. The kids will wait in anticipation for each new float to come by in hopes there will be candy thrown. They will scamper into the streets to fetch the treats. No fear of accidents, the parade moves so slowly, no child will be injured in pursuit of said candy.

Once the parade winds to an end in the town square, town folk and parade riders alike will be able to partake of hot dogs, sausage on a stick, watermelon, Popsicles and drinks handed out in various booths. These treats are your for the having, you just have to stand in line to receive.

Our church has a float pulled by a tractor and manned by the kids and any hardy adults willing to brave the heat and noise. This year, my Honey is a clown on the float. Yes, he acts like a clown a lot of the time but today, he has donned a patriotic clown suit he commissioned from one of the church ladies, Janie, and makes his clown debut in the parade. Honey is known as Papa John by one and all. He draws kids to him, rather like the Pied Piper. His energy is never higher than when he has a gaggle of kids around him. He's the Children's Pastor and they love him! He's even had a two year old moppet write him love notes. No words, just squiggles love in a rainbow of colors on a carefully folded note. Her grandfather held her hand as she walked up to deliver the note to Papa John one Sunday. Her shy smile could not hide her twinkling eyes. It was precious!

I can not be at the parade this year but I can see it in my head. I've asked for pictures to be taken my Honey the Clown. I helped him don his new suit of red, white and blue in honor of the day, carefully placing the matching cap on his curly head.

Nothing says love like a man willing to step outside of himself for the sake of others. This Independence Day is in honor of those that did just that many years ago for the sake of our fledgling country. My Honey serves his country and God in a clown suit today.

I could not be more proud of him. Wishing you a happy and safe 4th.......