It just doesn’t seem possible that another Independence Day has been celebrated and is finished – already almost vanished from our memory. For most of us, the 4^th of July is a day of festivities, of get-togethers with family and friends, of cookouts, parades, and fireworks. Many of us hang out the American flag on porches or from our windows. But do we take the time to think why we are celebrating? Or what is the real meaning of this day? Do we remember that the reason we commemorate the 4^th of July is because some very courageous and brave Americans declared their independence and separation from Great Britain in 1776? Do we truly understand what is meant when we say the words independence and freedom?

For the last couple of years, I’ve tried to ponder what Independence Day really means to me and to all of us who live in this incredible country. So I’ve launched a simple annual 4^th of July tradition – of contemplating the significance of the day by taking a look at our history as a new-born country. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve their resolution of independence, and the separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred. On July 4, after the vote for independence, the Congress approved the newly written Declaration of Independence.  A day earlier on July 3^rd, John Adams, one of the founders of our country, wrote this powerful letter to his wife Abigail. His potent words help me put the celebration of Independence Day into perspective.

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha [Era], in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784.)

Yes, that really says it for me. Perhaps we, like John Adams, should remember Independence Day as a Day of Deliverance and celebrate it with solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. We have so much to be grateful for, so many blessings, so many freedoms, so many choices. Life is truly abundant, if we choose to be open to it. May we celebrate and honor our liberation, our freedom, our blessings through gratitude and prayer.

Beloved Creator, thank you for creating us as people who are free to make choices in this amazing world. At this time of pondering the meaning of Independence Day, we are grateful for the gifts of freedom, of liberty, of life. May we celebrate our “independence” with solemn acts of devotion to You, our God Almighty. Amen.

Joy Carol
www.joycarol.com