independence day

It seems that where we live, it is almost a law that everyone must got to the beach on July 4th. So as we drove 20 minutes out of our way to avoid traffic {even though we live less than 1 mile from the beach}, I sat thinking about the beach and out nation in general, on it's birthday. Over the past weeks, I have been very troubled by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, as are many folks around the world. To read or listen to the news, one can't help but to also get a bitter mouthful of the political unrest our country has been feeling for... gosh, as long as I can remember, it seems! As I enjoyed a beautiful July 4th with my family at the beach, I was overcome by + so grateful for the quiet. For that afternoon, while the beach was noisy with the laughter of children + families, there were no headlines to read or news stories to hear. In that moment, I felt a bit guilty for being able to play in an ocean that has yet to feel the impact of a disaster that has hurt so many.
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In that moment, I decided that for this day I would not feel disheartened for some of what is, but instead I would celebrate all of the wonderful things we have to be grateful for as Americans and as people. Celebrate the good in the world, the hope, the bravery + birth of my country. To celebrate the joys in my life personally; family, friends, health +love. You know, this PMA is a very good thing... I think I will hold on to it for as long as possible!

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How did you and yours celebrate July 4th?