- A family I love and that is beautiful and strong
- Friends who we can laugh and cry and share moments with and who have boys our kids' ages
- The time to get away
I could go on but I think you get the point.
There are many things I'm grateful for but I always wonder whether other people are aware of and really think what the 4th of July is about.
Granted, it means different things to different people so I will share with you what it means to me.
It means:
Freedom
Yes, I know another word that means a lot of things to different people. But the 4th of July, especially here in New England symbolizes people standing up for something they believed in. Granted, there was a lot more to it than that but at the end of the day, the saying "Freedom rings" stands true.
Celebration
Overcoming obstacles, not being defeated, making a new home for yourself after fleeing something you didn't want - those are all things to celebrate.
New Beginnings
All of this trailblazing leads to new beginnings. A future that while unknown may be exciting. And while you may not know what is in store for you, that's okay.
Building a Home
This is the final piece because once you have freedom for yourself and others, and after you celebrate you have started something new. But you need to make it your own. Like turning your house into your 'home.' Taking something that may already exist but really making it your own.
So, on this eve of a long weekend where many of you will go to cookouts, pool parties, weekends away with friends and family I hope you take a moment and ask yourself the following questions:
- What am I doing with my own Freedom?
- How am I celebrating all that I have?
- What new beginnings have come my way? Which one(s) do I want to move toward?
- What kind of home have I built for myself?
This last question, in particular, is one I will spend more time on in the upcoming weeks. But until then, I leave you with this quote:
"It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home." ~ Unknown