Freedom

Isn’t it ironic that on July 4th, 2020, those of us who live in Hamilton County are to have our freedoms restored. Unbelievably, in only three months thousands of people have had to redefine how we will go forward. This virus has robbed us of freedoms and lifestyles many of us took for granted. However, the fear, anxiety, depression, and ‘stuck’ mindsets created by the virus have stolen much more. Let’s not let this challenging winter season define our lives.

To put it in perspective it may be helpful to remember that our freedoms have been threatened before. But in the true American spirit we rallied and survived. If you are a Baby Boomer you have lived through many difficult seasons, including the Korean and Vietnam wars, the war on HIV/Aids, H1N1, The Persian Gulf War, 911, and now COVD19. However, we know a life well lived is a sum of the whole, not a snippet of a few months or even a few years.

This reality reminds me of the story about the man who told his four sons to describe a pear tree from far away. The first son looked at the tree in the winter. He described it as ugly, bent and twisted. The second son went in the spring and said it was full of green buds and promise. The third son went in the summer and said it was laden with blossoms and beautiful. Lastly, the fourth son went in the fall and said it was ripe, drooping with fruit and full of fulfilment. You see, they were all right because each looked at the tree in different seasons. Some are filled with joy and promise, and others are filled with interruptions and challenges. They all serve a purpose and each one builds upon the next.

Remember, this is just one season in life. Eventually our freedoms will be restored, and life will return to some sort of normal. This July 4th, grab up your family and friends, have a barbeque and light some fireworks. Celebrate that you live in the USA, the land of the free and home of the brave.

Diana says, “Our greatest freedom, no matter the season, is that we get to choose our thoughts.”