July 4 Striving

The United States Independence Day (July 4th) is almost here. It is a day that celebrates independent statehood. A day for celebrating the achievement of democracy and freedom—freedoms that are sometimes taken for granted. But rather than just remembering the day as a great victory, I think of it as a day of striving. A day that serves as a reminder and challenge to continually reach toward a better civilization, like one does when stretching toward the stars in the sky. For instance, you may recall that when the U.S. Declaration of Independence declared certain truths as “self-evident, that all men are created equal,” women and African-Americans were not “equal” with white men. Yet, determination and striving for “equality for all” resulted in Constitutional amendments and a broader understanding of “human” equality. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Racism and discrimination are rampant, entrenched and even stealth in the most liberal. So, when you look at the fireworks this holiday (or any evening you look at the stars), think about ways you can strive for human equality and better relationships in your life, family, workplace, community, and even around the globe…