This weekend, we celebrate the declaration of our independence as a nation. We do so at a time when many continue to focus more on what separates us than what unites us. We make the mistake, sometimes, of thinking that being proud or loving country mean pretending the place we call home is perfect. But if pride and love required perfection, no one would ever feel the grace of either.
As we do our spouses, children, family and friends, we love country for its spirit and the joy it affords us all, and for its potential to become a little better each day. It, after all, is but one string of united states, cities, communities, neighborhoods, families, and individual citizens. It’s the sum of each of us – including our own imperfections, and our own potential to become a little better each day.
This weekend, as you celebrate your country with the friends, family and neighbors who make it what it is, it may be best to think of both those with whom you break bread, and those you don’t, through one very simple premise we all hold dear – that we are all created equal, and endowed with unalienable rights, including Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
I want to wish everyone a Happy and safe Fourth of July and a great summer to all our teachers and readers!
