Fireworks… the metaphor

Watching fireworks as I type this. They’re beautiful.

When I was about 13 I remember seeing a 4th of July display and thinking how they’ve lost their appeal. I didn’t even really wanna see them in the first place. They’re just exploding colors in the sky, after all. not that big a deal. I got pretty bored. until I saw a little kid attentively watching the same show with interest and amazement. What was this kid seeing that I was missing? and it wasn’t just the kid. almost everyone else was watching with clear expressions of enjoyment at this little airshow I couldnt be bothered by.

I’d be cheating myself to let these people have all the fun while I wasted precious moments there sluffing it all off, sulking. So I payed a little more attention and rebooted my view and suddenly each pop of color became more and more enjoyable to watch. I appreciated the fact that I was enjoying something in a group of people enjoying the same thing. The crackles and booms were cooler. the colors were brighter. the dazzles were more unique and fun to watch. all because I chose to pay attention and to appreciate the moment.
I went from time killer to time savorer within seconds and realized what a fool i’d been for not doing exactly that at every possible opportunity in my young life.
I never miss a fireworks show anymore.

Fireworks are beautiful. Life is beautiful.

Happy Independence Day.

About richard