Andrew crossed the open field to where Mark and Juan sat in their lawn chairs, surrounded by hundreds of people in small groups. Juan squinted up at him. “Where have you been, man? It’s getting dark and the show will start soon. I thought you were only going back to the car to get your chair.”

             Andrew grinned at his friends. “Sorry. I got distracted by the pyrotechnics guys. I went the long way through the back parking lot. It wasn’t roped off yet. They’ve got all the fireworks set up. It’s an incredible amount of work.”

             Mark raised his eyebrows. “Setting up fireworks?”

            “Yeah. They have a whole crew of guys. They started setting up at about noon today.”

            “Seriously? I had no idea it took that long.”

            Andrew unfolded his chair and settled into it. “It’s pretty interesting, actually. In order to set off fireworks, you have to get a license. There’s training, and an exam, and you have to assist on a bunch of shoots before you can get your own license. But yeah, to run a show like this one, they’re setting up for 6 or 7 hours.”

            Juan shifted his chair toward Andrew. “That’s a long time for something that only lasts 20 minutes. Makes you wonder if it’s worth it.”

            The sky continued to darken, and a moment later, the first firework soared into the air, exploding in a shower of sparks. The night continued with an amazing display of colors—ruby reds, sapphire blues, and emerald greens.

            As Andrew watched, he considered Juan’s words. Each firework was like a moment in life—bright and brilliant, yet fleeting. Some fireworks burst forth with a burst of energy, while others lingered in the air, shimmering softly before gently fading away. Each one contributed to the beauty of the night sky.

              As the show drew to a close, the sky became a canvas for celestial chaos. Golden flares burst forth, spreading across the heavens, while sapphire orbs spun and danced. Crimson trails streaked through the darkness, weaving intricate patterns. As the final barrage erupted in a shower of colorful sparks, the crowd below gasped in unison.

             Andrew sat with his friends for a moment after the show ended, all of them silent. He turned toward Juan, just making out his face in the darkness. “What do you think? Was that worth it?”

             Juan grinned. “Yeah. Point taken. That was amazing.”

            Andrew folded his chair and they walked toward the parking lot, following the crowd of people past trash cans overflowing with discarded glow sticks, sticky napkins, and popcorn boxes. It had a been a great day. But now it was over, just like the fireworks show. They loaded their chairs into the trunk and settled into the car, waiting to exit the parking lot behind everyone else in town.

            Mark started the engine and turned toward Andrew. “You’re quiet. What’s on your mind?”

            Andrew blinked. “I didn’t realize you could read me that well. I was thinking about life being short, just like the fireworks.”

            Mark pressed his lips together. “Yeah, Life is short. But eternity isn’t. And that’s what really matters.”

            Juan scooted to the edge of the backseat and leaned between the two front seats. “What do you mean?”

            Mark pulled the car forward a few feet. “Our time on earth is relatively short. But life is like fireworks. We all have our moments to shine, to bring joy and light into the world. Whether short or long, each moment matters. Each one contributes to the beauty of life.”

             Andrew turned toward Juan. “But I think what Mark is really saying, is that in order for our lives to really matter, we need to focus on what will make an eternal difference. It’s about shining a light that points people to Jesus. That’s where the eternity part comes in. Things here will pass away like the light from a firework. But working for God’s kingdom will last forever.”

James 4:14

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

God, thank You for the fun and wonder of things like fireworks. And while we realize we’re only on earth for a short time compared to eternity, we humbly ask for Your help to guide us how to best live our lives in a way that will matter eternally. Help us light the night sky in people’s lives with the wonder and joy we’ve found in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.