Neal’s solution to my fireworks dilemma, “How about planning a trip without a date and mail the bombs to New Hampshire ahead of the trip? It could be years ahead, fireworks are age-free. All the fun, none of the guilt, packed with great anticipation!”

Then Noelle wrote, “The thought of you running from the cops gives me the giggles!”

Mark was of the opinion that “they should’a locked you up and made you minister here for life for that escapade! You know this is where you belong.” Locked up for life in New England? I would not think that punishment.

But Darin nails it. “Live Free or die trying to find a place to celebrate. Isn’t that why our ancestors all came here in the first place? I was reading in 2 Corinthian 3 this morning.  Verse 17 stands out. ‘Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom.’ You probably understand the story around the verse better than me. I understand Chandler’s predicament. You can’t wait to find a place to shoot those babies off, but Dad knows that somebody is going to be annoyed. Either the Law or a nosy neighbor or both. Just as we want to celebrate the freedom we have through Christ, we know that somebody will not go alone with our ‘fireworks.’ Maybe it’s in our own church or work.”

Freedom will always be threatening and offensive to those who do not possess it. That’s why there will be no Pharisees in heaven (except for recovering ones!)

Darin goes on to suggest I get a speaking gig in Nebraska where there are liberal fireworks laws. Well, get on it people. Someone get something started!

In the end, we had to get rid of what was left. Couldn’t pack it or send it home. So a very appreciative Enterprise Rental Car employee is going to have a big bang weekend on us. He was so happy, it almost made it all worth it.