How quickly the summer flies by, and we realize that when we’ve already celebrated the 4^th of July – the day Americans are to remember the Declaration of Independence and the country’s separation from Great Britain in 1776. In reality the 4^th of July has become a holiday that most Americans celebrate with gatherings of family and friends, fireworks, cookouts. In some places there are parades, flags wave, bands march, and bystanders cheer. But honestly, how many of us really think about the true meaning of this day? And just what do we mean when we say independence and freedom? 

For the last four years I’ve decided to think about the significance of this special day by considering words written by John Adams, one of the founders of our country.

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. I believe his words can help us put the celebration of Independence Day into perspective. (This is the exact text from his letter with original spellings.) “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, 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).

Those words speak volumes to me. Perhaps as John Adams stated, we should always 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 freedoms, so many choices, so many blessings. Life can be 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.

How did you celebrate the 4^th of July this year?

What are some of your blessings and freedoms that you are grateful for?

Beloved Creator, we thank you for creating us as your children in this amazing world. Thank you so much 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