Symphony of Fireworks

When I was participating in the Explore program in Montreal this past summer, I mentioned in one of my travel blog posts about the amazing sights of fireworks I would be able to enjoy. In fact, other then missing the first one of the competition, I watched a total of nine shows. I don't know why, but the art of fire crackers exploding into the night sky and displaying a symphony of movements, colours, repetitions, and strokes captures the entirety of my attention and drowns me in a sensation of awe. I never wanted to miss one, I didn't want to hear 'you missed out' if I didn't go, and when does Edmonton ever have a series of firework competitions?

Out of the nine shows, Greece was my favorite because of the location I was watching the fireworks from. A local friend had introduced me to that flawless site, the Papineau Bridge. Sitting there like an anxious kid waiting for her turn, I was speechless and strapped with joy as I sat on that metal railing awaiting for the majestic show to begin. It felt so surreal. The only thing coming between me and the artistic explosion was the wire fence in front of me, situated there for my safety, but if I had the option, I wish it wasn't there.

I will never forget the weekly experience of chasing after that visual adrenaline. Watching fireworks from a screen will never match watching them live. I even thought to myself that being a pyrotechnic would be a challenging, yet highly rewarding job. Sometimes I would feel a strong divine presence as I stared down each firework. It felt impossible to be able to create such beauty and glamour in the darkness. The magnificence of the encounter made me question the reality of it, as if there was an invisible lining in the darkness projecting choreographed lights.Yet, my eyes weren't lying despite the dispute in my mind and these quick, spectacular moments embedded unforgettable recollections there.

Likewise, this whole year has blown me away. My study abroad to Korea, French exchange, and reunions in different cities has filled me with an unspeakable humbleness. I am so blessed by all of this and God's leading hand in my every step. He has pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged me to mature in my faith, and has left me in an endless state of awe. He goes before me, beyond me, and between me and everything I am able to do. And when I thought that nothing could surpass these fireworks in my life, He surprises me with the greatest one of all to end off 2012, Winter Conference.

I think I will be needing some time and a few blog spaces to exclaim and share all that I have learned, heard and seen. Even if it was my 6th time going and walking into it with prayers to be answered, God knocked me off of my feet with His creativity and ability to do so. To be swoon by His love is an utter understatement and I am so thankful he called me out seven years ago to my first Winter Conference.

Acknowledging that I still have a whole life ahead of me, 2012 was just a teaser, a spark of what's to come in 2013. Who knows what type of fireworks are going to ignite this year.

Here's to a New Year, New Discoveries, and New Revelations.

Thankyou Jesus.