Happy Birthday USA

Family, food, fun, and fireworks — those are the earmarks of a great birthday party, and Independence Day has to be the biggest one of the year. Where else can you see 306 million people joining together to celebrate one birthday?

Yes…yes, I know. We aren’t celebrating a human birth, but I don’t think that makes the celebration any less important. This birthday bash happens to be the one day each year where we set aside our political and moral differences. We proudly come together as one to celebrate the birth of our magnificent nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. We also pause to remember those brave men and women who fought for the freedom and liberties we so richly enjoy today.

I’ve always loved Independence Day. Maybe it’s what the day represents — freedom. Maybe it’s because I usually spend the day in the pool or on the lake — two of my favorite pastimes. Maybe it’s because of the fireworks. No matter what age you are, those never get old. Maybe it’s all of those things.

I’m getting excited just thinking about it. We’ll be “parading” in the morning, swimming in the afternoon, and meeting up with family to shoot off fireworks at night. It’s going to be a blast — no pun intended…okay, maybe it was a tiny bit intentional.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the birth of our country, don’t forget to thank God for allowing you to be a part of this great nation. And while you are at it, say a few prayers for the people who are still fighting to preserve our liberty. May God keep them safe and continue to bless the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”