End of the Journey A Different Kind of Freedom This 4th of July

As our nation celebrates freedom, I find myself thinking about a different kind of freedom. There is freedom in saying the words that matter most: “I love you”.  “Thank You.”   “Forgive me.”  “I Forgive you.”  Four words that mean so much to the people who we will leave behind.  

There is freedom in setting down old burdens that have become too heavy to carry. There is freedom in accepting help from those who love you and allowing them the privilege of caring for you. 

You may not have the strength to attend a parade or watch fireworks this year, but you can still celebrate. Celebrate the life you have lived in this nation of freedom. Celebrate all you have contributed to making this country great. Celebrate the people who have walked with you in this life. Celebrate the countless ordinary moments that have become your extraordinary life. 

As evening falls and the fireworks begin, remember that every brilliant burst of light lasts only a moment, yet its beauty is never forgotten. Human lives are much the same. We are here for a season, but the love we give, the kindness we show, and the faith we leave behind will continue to illuminate the lives of others. 

This is based on the work of Erik Erikson, a German-born American psychologist,  who developed a view of personality growth as a process that continues throughout life. He identifies stages of personal growth that occur as the person faces different age-related emotional and social challenges. Each of the eight stages of life presents a task for the person.  An infant must learn about trust; a toddler must learn that they are an individual who can make choices; a preschool child develops a moral code (right vs. wrong); and elementary school children learn how to participate in a group. Adolescence brings the challenge of role definition; young adults face issues of intimacy and life roles, while maturing adults face the challenge of continuing development even as life resources diminish. Seniors address whether their lives have value.