The setting can make all the difference. Take, for instance, the guttural honk and screaming siren of an emergency vehicle. When it's coming toward you, you pull over to the side of the road; when it's coming behind you, you check the speedometer and, if you're okay on that, you make sure your cellphone is tucked away. Given the appropriate signal, then you pull over to the side.

It's an entirely different story if the sounds are coming from somewhere in the beginning, middle or end of a parade.

Yesterday we sat and watched our annual Sea Fair parade and I admit my attention was as much on the children around us as it was on the floats and marching bands. Those kids fairly buzzed with excitement. While some collected a Halloween party's worth of candy in less than an hour, others urged flirtation between wind and their balloons. They whizzed back and forth across the street, seemingly energized by excitement that exceeded anything any bunny brand of batteries could produce. Then the sirens started.

Actually the pipes came first and try as I might I couldn't hold back the tears of appreciation that flood my eyes when I see aged veterans carrying flags and wearing the scars of what they paid to keep our nation free. I hate war but I sure love the freedom we enjoy.

Then the sirens came. Activity was replaced by looks of awe on the faces of the children around me. Those machines were so big and the sirens, so loud!

Like life, our perspective changes in the face of circumstances and maturity. May we never lose the excitement of God's love for us but may we grow in awe at the privilege we have in knowing Him.

“I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty!”