Today is a celebration of, well, us in all our uniquely diverse glory.

Fourth of July celebrations across America will feature traditional food, fireworks and fellowship.

But to simplify the meaning of the Fourth of July with a few hamburgers, some sparklers and a backyard mixer is missing some enormously important tenets of our country.

America was founded by a group of American colonists who believed they could create a system that was better and more equal for all citizens, not just the aristocracy.

Their government, nay their experiment in a different way of governing, has stood the test of more than 241 years. America is far from perfect.

We still have too much poverty for a country so rich in resources, too much crime, too much violence and we squabble over policies and politics when we need to work on compromise.

But despite all our nation’s flaws, America is still great. It’s great because of the foundations of our republic that guarantee life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

So celebrate the Fourth of July today and the rest of this week, but think some on the many things you may taken for granted about America as you worship God in whatever way you would like, or do not worship God. It’s your choice in America.

Be critical of your government and question its policies. That’s your choice too.

And when the next election rolls around, exercise your right to vote, too.

Enjoy America’s birthday, but do not forget the everyday freedoms that a bold move in 1776 set into action.