Rather than boring you with the play by play of my day (which was pretty fabulous!), I think I’ll just list a few things I love about our country. I don’t think our country is perfect, and my feelings are based on my experience in this country (which experience has been relatively privileged), but having lived in a couple of other countries, I definitely have an appreciation for some of the freedoms we enjoy.
I am grateful for the freedom of religion. And while, it isn’t perfect and people are still judged by/for their beliefs, I can’t imagine what it would be like to live in fear because of my beliefs.- I am grateful for the freedom of speech. While I don’t think people always use it wisely and sometimes I’d like to take it away from others, I am grateful for it.
- I am grateful to live in a country that tries to help other countries. While the process and the efforts may be far from perfect, at least they exist.
- I am grateful that public education is an expectation for all. I know it doesn’t happen for everyone, but I’m grateful that it is the goal.
- I am grateful to live in a country where women are not treated as less than men. There are still chauvinists out there (just like there are, in my opinion, over-the-top feminists), but I can vote, I can own property, I will never be someone’s “property”, I can get the same education as a man, and the same jobs. But even better, I can choose to stay home and be a mom someday. Whatever I decide, it’s my choice. What an amazing blessing in a world where so many women don’t have those freedoms.
- I am grateful that there are laws against the exploitation of children and that a government agency exists specifically to protect them.
- I am grateful that, as I type this and can hear fireworks still going, I don’t worry that the sounds are anything but fireworks (and I realize this is not a “freedom” all people of this country enjoy).
- I am grateful for all of the men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect the wonderful freedoms I enjoy.
* This is my SPT for the week. I decided to go with the “What does Indepence Day mean to you?” option.
existential dilemmas 
That IS a very festive picture, love the sparklers! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about freedom, very true.
Rebekah, thanks for the compliment. Admittedly, I quite like it, as well!Zachariah, glad to hear the 5k went well. It is always fun to run with family. I have to admit that my favorite part was running down University…such great energy. And we will definitely have to meet at SGM! I can’t believe I’m really doing this!
Sounds like a great 4th chloe! I’ll be blogging about ours soon enough. Too bad I didn’t run into you and cropstar at the Freedom Run! I ended up running the 5k with my wife, which was soooo fun. We’ll have to meet up for SGM though!
That is such a cute picture of you!