Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. Last year, my husband was deployed and we celebrated worlds’ apart. He sent me a video the evening of his Fourth. It was a video of hundreds of men and women who were also deployed, singing as loud as possible to the song God Bless the USA. Talk about a tear jerker! So this year, I am extra thankful to be celebrating the Fourth with my husband. And there is so much to celebrate, friends!
There are many things I love about the Fourth of July. The pride of being an American, the gratefulness to those who have and still are serving, the fun with friends & family, and all the fireworks! The list could go on, but I decided to share 3 of my favorite things about the Fourth.
1. Fun with Family & Friends
I am always up for a party and it is so much fun to share this day with family and friends! Growing up, we would always go to my grandparents who live out in the country. We would grill out and spend the day together, and then in the evening we would set off our own fireworks. I remember the excitement just driving to their house and looking for that perfect fireworks shop along the way. You know, the ones with the best deals (ha! they were all pretty pricey). But it was so worth it because of the memories that were made.
Now when we celebrate the Fourth in Arizona, we love spending the day with friends, going up to Mount Lemmon where they always put on a cute parade, or grilling out. And we never miss the fireworks on base! I absolutely love watching the fireworks as the patriotic songs are playing. There is such a sense of pride and thankfulness that can’t be ignored. We are such a blessed people!
2. Freedom
The definition of freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. What a gift. And one that we should not take for granite. I think of the men and women in other parts of the world who don’t have this right and I long for them to experience it one day. I think of the many men and women who have fought for this right and paid the ultimate price. I think of those serving today who give so very much that we might continue to have this freedom. And I think of the families who have to be separated from their spouse, parent, sibling, or child in order to protect this gift. Freedom is not free and the price is high. 
4. Faith
Lastly, as a believer, I could not celebrate this day properly without being grateful for my faith. Our country was built upon Biblical principles and history shows that. But even beyond that is the freedom I have in my life because of Christ. Just as a military member may give their life for our countries freedom, Christ gave His life for our freedom from sin. Just as they pay the ultimate price, so Christ made the ultimate sacrifice. I love 2 Corinthians 3:17 that says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” So as a Christian, what are we free from? We are free from the grip of sin, fear, and anxiety! We are free to be His and free to boldly approach the throne with our needs. What would you add to this list? It could go on and on. But one thing is for sure – there is no greater freedom than that which we have in Christ!
So this July 4th, I hope you have the best time celebrating with friends and family. Enjoy your freedom as an American and be grateful for it. And allow that to remind you of our greatest freedom found in Christ!
Happy Fourth, friends! 🇺🇸
That She May Know 