Dreams of the Possible

The 4th of July celebrates the dreams of the those who arrived on the scene before us and opened doors to make new things possible. Our forefathers were certainly not perfect in themselves, but they put aside their differences to launch something new, to bring opportunity to those who longed for freedom in ways they were unable to experience. We can debate whether they got everything right, or even if they were motivated by the right reasons, but we can’t fault them for making the effort, making new dreams possible. We celebrate their intent, even if it fell somewhat short of the mark.

Since I was born on the 4th of July, I have a special fondness for this day of idealism and fireworks. I like to imagine the spirit of the day, the hope that new freedoms brought to those early founders of the country we live in. I love the idea that they truly wanted to do something to better the lives of every person. They wanted a new sense of freedom and they stood up for it to make a difference.

Those ideals are still worthy of celebration. Today, we also need dreams to prevail. We need hearts that are turned toward helping us grow beyond what was to become more than we can imagine. We need dreams that are generous, that are inclusive, and that open the hearts and minds of people everywhere to feel free to love and to live and to be all that God designed them to be.

Sure, you can keep grousing about all the shortcomings, all the things that don’t fit your own ideals, but maybe it would be more helpful to look for the dreams that have made blessings in your own life possible. Maybe as you watch the fireworks or celebrate this day, you can step aside from making it political and make it about you.  How can you bring light and love and a generous spirit to those around you? How can you make the kind of difference that your grandchildren will one day applaud, even it you didn’t do it all with perfection.

We’re free to build the future, but we need the same mantra that kept our forefathers going when they declared, “In God we trust.” 

Blessings to everyone who dreams of all that is still possible and moves forward with love.