"The best 4th of July ever..."

Yes, it's unanimous and official. Today has been dubbed the best 4th of July ever. The only thing that could have improved upon the day is if my dear husband would have been here rather than out of state at our national youth conference. However, the boys and I enjoyed a memorable and amazing day that we won't soon forget.

This morning was the much anticipated (or dreaded?) 2-mile fun run that our oldest son and I have been training for and talking about for months. We've challenged one another and "talked smack" about who'd be waiting for who at the finish line. Despite our seemingly ruthless rivalry and competition, we truly did want to see one another succeed and do well. And inside this mama's heart, I knew the truth...that this former runner and track "star" no longer has what it takes to beat her energetic and increasingly athletic adolescent son. Humpf. It's not easy growing older...

As we were preparing to walk out the door this morning, all three boys disappeared for several moments. Frustrated that we were going to be running late, I called up the stairs that we had to go! It was then that they descended the stairs donning their new t-shirts. Yes, as javamamma once said, I guess we are the t-shirt family! Anyhow, the message on their shirts read as follows: "My Mom Runs Faster Than Your Mom."

Now, my story is that my eyes immediately welled up with tears and a lump formed in my throat...and I'm sticking to it! Our oldest son, however, tells it a bit differently. According to him, it was more of a sob...and most likely, the unattractive, distorted face kind of sob. Anyhow, regardless of the story, the reason for the tears is the same. You see, despite the miles that he knew would separate us today, my husband thought of me and planned for me before he left town. He'd ordered the shirts and had a plan in place for the boys to surprise me with them this morning. So yes, even though my husband wasn't around for this milestone day, he was here in a very real way. Thank you, God, for his love!

Anyhow, back to the exciting race results! Yes, as I suspected, our son beat me by 5minutes, and he was indeed waiting...yet cheering...for me at the finish line. In fact, he'd also beaten my veteran-runner dad. But it was very special to have 3 generations of runners competing in today's race! Furthermore, I was able to run the race with my sweet friends...my early morning running/walking partners who have provided so much needed accountability and inspiration in regard to disciplining my body. Way to go, girlfriends!

We spent the day with my parents, going out for breakfast after the race and then returning to our house for fun and relaxation. We enjoyed a summer dinner together before going to a tremendously moving outdoor band concert. As we listened to wonderful patriotic numbers, I sat on the grass with our youngest son in my lap. It was cool tonight, so we were both snuggled into sweatshirts and enjoyed the additional warmth of cuddling with one another. And then my favorite patriotic song of all time began..."God Bless the USA." I sang the verses softly in his ear as he snuggled into my shoulder, and then on the chorus, he loudly joined in and belted it out,

"And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
And gave that right to me
And I'll gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God bless the USA."

Soon the fireworks burst overhead and I heard three little voices...well, some not so little anymore...react to the sights and sounds they've grown to love. I also heard the silence of one son who recognized with solemnity the significance of this observance. And as I sat there with my parents and our sons, I thanked God for the freedom that He's given us...yes, as a nation, but more importantly, the freedom He's given us through the person of Jesus Christ.