Many of us consider the summer to be truly launched when we celebrate the 4th of July – the day that some very courageous and brave Americans declared their independence and separation from Great Britain in 1776. Every year, most Americans celebrate the 4th of July as a day of festivities which include get-togethers with family and friends, cookouts, parades, and fireworks. Many people proudly hang out their American flags on their porches or from their windows. But do we take the time to think what is the real significance of this day of celebration? Do we really understand what we mean when we say independence and freedom?

I’ve decided to start an annual 4th of July tradition and when I ponder the significance of Independence Day. As I did last year, I’m looking again at some of the words of John Adams, one of the founders of our country, important words that he wrote about what he considered to be a memorable Day of Deliverance.

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. I think his powerful words will help us to put the celebration of the 4th of July or Independence Day into perspective. (The  following quote is the exact text from his letter with his 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).

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, 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