Photo by Colton Duke on Unsplash
“Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free,
but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom.”
― Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America
It’s really summer now! Common ingredients for the perfect 4th might include hot dogs, fireworks, parades, backyard gatherings with friends and neighbors, flag waving, parades…
…and beyond all these external ways of celebrating and enjoying the day, what is in your heart this Independence Day? What does this day mean to you? Why is Independence Day important to you?
As we prepare to round the corner on the USA’s 250th birthday, consider pondering these questions:
- If de Tocqueville is right, how are you learning to “use your freedom” in ways that nurtures the common good?
- What is the gift of independence? Is there a shadow side to independence?
- Is inter-dependence something that also deserves some attention and practice?
- What new 4th of July practice might you “try on” to honor what’s in your heart for the United States this year?
