Happy Independence Day!

In the spirit of Independence Day, this country has much to be grateful for and has for centuries. There are wonderful passages from the Book of Mormon (which was written by the ancient Americans) that talk about liberty and freedom and the struggle to defend it. One such passage says, "ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free" (The Book of Mormon, 191). In that verse, the speaker was talking not only about freedom from political bondage but freedom from spiritual bondage, which are both gifts to us from God.

We all know that this country today faces so many complex problems and issues concerning education, health, civil rights, civil liberties, interpreting the law, how government should be run, defense, the economy, foreign affairs, and many more. This country is certainly far from perfect, but I believe it has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Despite our faults, our nation has a better education system than it did over 200 years ago. We have a better health care system. More people enjoy the rights and liberties of citizens. We have made mistakes and have learned from so many of them. Our country is doing much good within and without. If we take the time to think about it, we as a people have made tremendous strides over the centuries. Even today there are many people working hard and well in private and public spheres to do good in their communities, states, and their nation. I am also grateful for the men and women in the government who spend their precious time working hard to try to improve our country even more. Of course they aren't perfect either, but I believe there is much good being done in Washington D. C.

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for the liberty wherewith we have been made free. It was and is brought about by many people over many years and is a tremendous gift from God.