In America and a number of other countries–Australia and Ireland, just to name a couple–people are celebrating the 4th of July, also known as Independence Day. According to American history, the National holiday is celebrated as a tribute to the place we call home and the journey that our ancestors made to make our countries independent nations.

Many Americans are spending the Fourth by marching in parades, watching fireworks at the fair, having family cookouts, and hosting trivia games. However, me and my family just stayed home, cooked a hearty meal–mac and cheese, peas, chicken, and salmon–and had a peaceful day inside. That is, with the booming sound of fireworks in the background, close enough for us to peek at them through our window.

Me and my family aren’t big party-goers when it comes to days like New Year’s and Independence Day for multiple reasons. First, we are natural homebodies and prefer to stay home except for errands, occasional family outings and other special occasions. Secondly, with all the local shootings that have been happening in the United States lately–one of which just occurred in Chicago at a parade earlier today–we tend to rest in solidarity as a family, instead.

Celebrating our country is always a blessing from God, but we always have to remember to do so in a way that is safe, both for us and our families.

Our country still has a long way to go in the direction of fairness, equality, and humanity, but as time keeps ticking, we pray that we will continue to make progress little by little. I am grateful for this beautiful day that the Lord has made, and I hope that it is a step forward to making this world a better place than it was yesterday.

LET’S CHAT~Do you celebrate the Fourth of July? If so, what do you do to spend July Fourth?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! ♡