Three Days of Celebrating Independence!

Because July 4 was Sunday, Idaho Falls hosted the parade and fireworks on Saturday, then "observed" the holiday on Monday. 

We believed the paradewould be a 30-45 minute number, but it extended to 3 ½ hours! At the intermission, Levi put his arms around my neck dived into my shoulder and conked out. That has never happened! The poor kid slept through most of the marching bands, streams of cars and floats, and even the fire trucks with the sirens and horns. He woke up just in time to urinate all over the two of us. That’s comfort for you. Our cute matching red and white tops with dark blue jeans lost effect because the high temperature on July 3 was 71 and we wore sweatshirts. I shivered, Wes rejoiced then sweated. Because the parade took most of the day, we skipped the Farmer’s Market and other riverside festivities, which was fine. That night we stepped out to the sidewalk to see the fireworks; we couldn’t hear the music they were synced to, but it was beautiful to reflect on the excitement fireworks inspire and how they symbolize the many lives and efforts that have been sacrificed to make and maintain this country.

Monday (and part of Sunday) we spent the day with Wesley's sisters--eating hot dogs, hamburgers, pasta salads and then exploring Kelly Canyon. Beautiful! It was wonderful to be out in the land that we celebrate--to look out over the river, trees, and enjoy the dust and sweat of being outside. Levi loved it.

As we’ve approached this July 4 I was grateful to celebrate it on the Sabbath. I often wonder why I was born here rather than fill-in-the-blank. I wonder if I appreciate the small liberties I have—and the large ones for that matter. I think it is easy (for me) to criticize the results of imperfect people instead of rejoicing in the good that does go forth. I am grateful for those that are willing to lead this country; I’m grateful for the people who sacrifice themselves, in the military and otherwise, for this land and its ideals. I’m grateful that there are those who still believe in freedom and want what is best for America. I realize that perspectives and politics can trip this up occasionally (often), but how wonderful it is to be in a place that we can voice those perspectives and work together to create something greater. Patriotism doesn’t fall in party lines. Patriotism requires that we refocus when necessary and rise to the challenge of our times with as much grace as possible. Ultimately, to be truly patriotic, I think we must rely on the Lord and His plan. I love my land of liberties and I’ve realized this week that one of the main reasons is because it was established on the hope and goal of religious freedom and thus enabled the Restoration of the gospel. It is a promised land of liberty. Acknowledging my liberties always leads me to the awe I have in the atonement and the great liberty Christ offers to all of us—perfection, purity, unity, and an inheritance with our Heavenly Parents. His liberty does not demand boundaries of land or body, but reaches our whole souls if we allow it. How amazing that is. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His Son.