For those of us living in the United States of America, this is a week of remembrance and celebration.

The Fourth of July marks our nation’s annual Independence Day. A national holiday drawing our collective attention to our country’s freedom from British rule.

The details of the American Revolutionary War were taught to me as a child in grade school. “Taxation without representation” is a phrase synonymous in my mind with #2 yellow pencils and freshly printed mimeographs.

It was in my elementary school classrooms that I first heard the incredible stories about the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere and his midnight ride, and George Washington and his remarkable crossing of the Delaware.

They were fantastic and fun-sounding stories to me. I would follow along with the teacher from my own textbook replete with colored images that helped bring each story to life.

At that young age, I couldn’t really grasp the driving forces behind the unifying vision of the thirteen original colonies.

My mind wasn’t really able to comprehend what our founding fathers, countrymen, and their families must have risked to throw off the shackles of tyranny.

The depth of valor, the unyielding conviction, and the incredible courage it must have taken.

Now, as an adult, I understand more completely the stories of such sacrifice.

People were willing to risk – and lose – their securities, comforts, and even their own lives in order for themselves and future generations to be free.

Free to form their own government.

Free to rule themselves.

Free to enjoy a life filled with “certain unalienable rights” given to them by God that included “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Declaration of Independence)

Freedom comes with a cost. Usually, a great one too.

John 3:16 details the ultimate cost for our freedom: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in His shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

Jesus knew the price He was going to pay when He took that assignment. He didn’t shrink back from a mission that was going to cost Him His life.

Our eternal freedom was at stake. And, in the eyes of God, we were worth the great cost.

Whether national or spiritual, freedom was gifted to us at a tremendous price.

So this weekend, while the hot dogs sizzle on the grill, the popsicles melt in our hands, and the fireworks shoot into the sky, may we remember the cost of the brave men, women, and families who paved the way for us to enjoy the tremendous liberties that we have in the USA today.

Happy 250^th, land of the free!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!