Happy Independence Day!

It's July 4th, and those of us who live in the U.S. are marking a day that commemorates our country's independence. While we still have a long way to go, there are so many freedoms we are guaranteed here that people in other countries can only dream of. We have the right to worship as we choose, or not at all. We are allowed to criticize our government loudly and frequently, without fear of punishment. Do we have room for improvement? Absolutely, but on the whole, we're pretty darn lucky.

As I'm sitting here getting ready to toss some burgers on the grill and snarf down a pile of fresh strawberries, I can't help but think of all the people who are unable to be at home with their loved ones today. I am imagining a group of soldiers stationed in a desert on the other side of the world. I am picturing the E.R. nurses, the police officers, the firefighters, the paramedics who are on shift today, working so that the rest of us can stay safe. As you light your sparklers this evening, and bite into your corncobs, send up a small prayer of thanks to those folks, the ones who are away from home today.

On that note, I offer this simple blessing for today: A Prayer for Unity. Happy 4th of July, everyone.

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