By Pastor Ken
A few days ago, our community held an annual summer Jamboree. They set up a temporary playground for children to enjoy. There were various food stalls, band parades, etc. One night, we also saw fireworks.
As a child, I seldom watched fireworks. Maybe once a year for New Year’s celebrations? All I can remember is the presence of vivid, floral shapes that shone briefly in the sky before fading away. Fireworks have a more widespread presence in the United States. On Independence Day, most towns and cities feature fireworks annually. Many amusement parks present fireworks before closing every day, as a way to entice visitors to stay till the last minute.
One year, when my son was about five years old, I thought he would enjoy watching fireworks. Unexpectedly, we stood too close to the firing machines, and the explosion was too loud for him. All night, he covered his ears with both hands. Besides, it was past his usual bedtime, and He was struggling to keep his eyes open.
For some time, I felt a bit uncertain about fireworks. The cost of a firework event usually costs at least 1,000 U.S. dollars per minute. If there are sophisticated designs controlled by computers and synchronized with music, it’s even more costly. For example, each show at Disney World usually costs 40,000 U.S. dollars. Shouldn’t it be more meaningful to use this money to help the poor and homeless around us?
This time, the fireworks in the community took place in the big park right in front of our house. I made some observations. First of all, the launch site was guarded by a limited amount of low-height, movable crowd barriers. Adults could jump over them and children could climb under them, but no one did. Parents were all vigilant, ensuring their children adhered to the regulations.
Then, I saw families and groups sitting around on the grass. All came together in harmony, regardless of race or social status. Everyone shared the same purpose and hope—the sky remained clear so that they could enjoy the show.
To us spectators, watching fireworks is a form of free entertainment. Sponsors of the firework show may be eligible for tax deductions if treated as a promotional expense. More importantly, the event draws out community members to socialize with one another. Having interpersonal connections can create a society with a higher level of sympathy and understanding, leading to greater acceptance of the diversity. By organizing such events, the municipality will strengthen people’s sense of belonging. From these perspectives, the money is well spent.
On the surface, a firework show lasts about 20 minutes, and the beauty is short-lived. The next day, the barricades are removed, and the park is cleaned up. Everyone’s life returns to normal. However, I think some families may continue to talk about the firework. Which one did you like most? Why? Some kids will claim that they were scared, and others say they loved it. The key point is: If we share a similar experience, it gives us plenty to talk about.
