I had some time this weekend to reflect on the 4th of July and what it means to me (thank you national boards for making me so reflective...). The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays--I have always loved it. I love the warmness, the barbecues, the ice cream, the fireworks, and the family togetherness that it has always included. Through the years, they have had some serious change and I have grown to understand that change is a part of life. I have also learned to love the moments we have when we have them!
But mostly--I have loved the freedom that we have because of this day. I am attending a masters class this week that is covering education philosophy. The first time I had this class in undergrad studies, I didn't understand it and was taught things to just make sure I learned them. But--today, we had a good discussion about different philosophers and their ideas. And--I understood them and can see how their ideas have influenced me and our country. I am grateful though that we live in a country where these beliefs can be shared and that I can teach and become what I have been becoming as a teacher. Other countries of the world don't have the same benefits we do (although teachers may be respected a little more in them...). But, because of our freedoms, we are able to become anything we want and accomplish anything. No one is set out to tell you that you are destined to be a lawyer, a dump truck driver, or a doctor. You have the freedom to choose. And you can become anything you want to be--but it's conditional--you have to put in the work for it.
That's the way it was in the Book of Mormon times. The Nephites received this land as a land of promise. But--it was conditional as well. This land was to be a land of promise as long as the people were righteous and kept the commandments. I worry as I watch our country today and through the past several years--we are not as righteous as we should be and I worry we will lose some of those blessings we are promised as we fall from righteousness. I just hope that as individuals, we are all able to do our part to be better--and in turn try to motivate those around us to be better.
Once again--I love the 4th of July. I know a lot of people who have sacrificed a lot to protect those freedoms. I just hope as citizens of this great country, we can continue to live this legacy--I have hope that through small actions--great things can come to pass!
