…they are all silent dogs
    that cannot bark,
dreaming, lying down,
    loving to slumber.

Isaiah 56:10b

Have you heard? All over the country, there are millions who are dreading this Fourth of July. They are hiding under beds, crouched into corners, whimpering in fear.

I’m not talking about the people. I’m talking about the dogs!

For us, it’s a day to grill some steaks, party with friends, and watch the skies. But this very day we reserve to celebrate our freedoms has to be the day when dogs feel most oppressed! I’m one of the lucky few whose dog could care less about fireworks, but there are many, MANY dogs who hate the loud booms. I could make billions if I came up with noise cancelling headphones for our pups, so they could enjoy some peace and quiet.

Dogs would much rather be doing what the scripture above talks about: Taking it easy, nothing to bark about, enjoying a nice comfy nap on the couch. If that is a description of a dog’s life, sign me up! (Maybe we should make July 5th doggie day.)

Actually, that scripture from Isaiah is AGAINST this kind of doggy behavior. It’s an indictment on the leaders of the Israelites for not doing their jobs. Instead of alerting people to the coming calamities the nation was going to face, they were falling asleep on the job, like a lazy dog refusing to bark a warning. These leaders were not following God. They were acting in bad faith.

When you think about it that way, maybe we SHOULD let our dogs go a little crazy this 4th of July. Their frantic barking might just remind us that we can’t snooze on the job either. Independence Day is not a time to ignore the problems exploding in our country. It’s a time to focus our attention–even to sound the alarm if you’re so inclined.

Don’t make the mistake of cancelling out the noise in our nation. Of all the days of the year, this might be the most important time to pay attention to it. Instead of it causing you to hide under your bed, maybe you should bark about it.

That doesn’t mean you should cancel your party plans. Praise God for friends, good food, and the American spirit that can still be found today. Give thanks for the many freedoms you enjoy, even as you maintain a level of vigilance and concern. It’s possible to all of that at once.

Maybe we could learn a lesson from my dog, Tom. He makes time every day for running in the backyard, snuggling on the couch, AND barking an alarm when the Amazon Truck comes by. He’s anything but a scaredy-cat. He celebrates his freedom but remains alert. This is an example we could all live by–dogs and humans alike.

Make the most of your Fourth, your freedoms, and your faith.

And give your dog a bone…

or a steak.

Have a great Fourth,

Mitch