Celebrating Independence

Happy Independence Day!! I was thinking about all the things I could write about for Independence Day, and there's so many things to consider. 

First, we should be grateful. Grateful for our country and its freedoms. Even though it has been abused and some freedoms even considered lost, we still live in a free nation. We do not suffer from what so many other countries experience. We have so many freedoms and privileges that some people only dream about. And who do we owe this to?

Our soldiers. Those who have defended our freedom, protected it against threats, and continue to be on guard against future attacks on our country. 4th of July often makes us think only of the founding of our country or the war specifically for Independence. But, Independence Day is the day to remember all our victories, all our soldiers who have fought in so many wars, and all their families who must continue on. Independence Day is the day to celebrate all our nation's achievements. Because without that original day in 1776, we wouldn't have any of those accomplishments to celebrate. 

We should also consider the true meaning of independence. Because even if we didn't have all that, even if those freedoms were taken away, the ultimate independence is freedom from sin. If we have that life of grace, that union with God, even if we were to suffer the loss of that physical independence and the freedom to live as we should, no one and nothing can take away our freedom as children of God, except for sin. True freedom is that peace of sharing in the life of the Trinity, and that is the independence we should be most conscious of guarding. 

Let's celebrate our nation's holiday and really pray for our country that it may return to its full glory and truly be one nation under God. We hear so much about how our nation is failing and falling so far from what it should be. That is true. Our country allows a lot of evils.

However, we cannot forget true patriotism and loyalty to our country. We must be proud of being American, even though our nation is flawed. Because inevitably it always will have some flaws as an earthly authority does. Yet, our country is made up of many heroes, and those are who we should celebrate.

On a final note, let us long for our heavenly city, where true peace and happiness always reigns. Enjoy the Independence Day and have a wonderful time with your family on this special holiday!

P.S. Don't forget to support our Troops!! Even if you can't monetarily help out, send them letters!!