Before or After the big day
June 29, 2012 (Friday)
With the Fourth of July coming on a Wednesday, many employees will be taking a couple of days off. Some will take Monday and Tuesday, which means that their holiday weekend will start later today. Others will take Thursday and Friday, which means their holiday will begin on Wednesday, going through Sunday. Some folks will just take the whole week. One way or another, many people will have an extended holiday that includes Independence Day.
The question is, will we remember the Fourth of July in a way that honors the country? Along with trips, barbecues, fireworks and many other activities, will we take time to offer thanks for those who fought a revolution and risked everything for the sake of freedom? And will we breathe a prayer for those Americans who are fighting for freedom this very day?
Freedom is the God-given right of human beings. America’s freedoms have been bestowed by God Himself; our nation has chosen not to take away those freedoms. Not all nations have chosen the same path. As you are reading this, there are many people in this big old world who are oppressed. Many are not free to choose their own faith. Religious freedoms like those we enjoy in the United States are unavailable to people living in countries where religion controls the state.
As we take advantage of our freedoms and enjoy our holidays and activities, let’s allow this special day to have special meaning by pausing to think about the meaning of it all. We are free to pray for those who have no such freedom.
