Independence Day

What a great day!  I think sometimes the "Fourth of July" ,as the holiday has come to be known, is synonymous only with fireworks and no real substance for remembering the real meaning.


Independence - "freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others."


Upon the establishment of the original date that definition was clear.  We know the players involved. We know the struggle.  What does it mean to us today?  I'm afraid it's become very diluted and confusing.


"Freedom" is the common used shortened definition of Independence, but I think the definition above, going on to define independence from what, is extremely appropriate in our modern times in the United States.  Do we have Independence today?


Taken to the extreme Independence is anarchy and a civilized society needs laws to survive.  An overzealous regime certainly strips Independence away so we as a nation are continually redefining the details of the definition to find the baseline for our existence.  A happy medium.  We haven't found it yet, but thankfully our forefathers developed a system to keep trying.


Over the last century we've moved further away from "freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like,of others."  This time it's from within though and not a distant king. I believe it's time to bring that back in check.  It's time to regain the spirit of 76 and take a look around at the great resources bestowed on us by our Creator.  It's time to remember that original Independence, be thankful and get back to work building things, creating jobs, taking care of one another out of desire and abundance instead of coercion and working towards the goals of this life instead of creating perceived shortcuts.


Wherever you find yourself on the "Fourth of July" take a moment to celebrate Independence Day.


A.J.