How Could We Create Our Own Independence Day?

Happy Independence Day 2021! True! This is July 5^th, but this year we have an extended weekend to celebrate America’s 245^th Birthday, July 4th, 1776--the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress and still stands today!  

We might even say we are in the mood to celebrate most anything since we are nearing the end of Covid-19 (eventually). It is starting to feel good! On the other hand, let’s not forget to hold up a candle and say a prayer honoring those we have lost in many disasters already this year.

No, we are not going to have a history lesson here today. We are simply saying that the celebration of America is more than just sparklers and fireworks (although those are lots of fun!). Instead, we want to point out that our lives can be a celebration too-- every day. 

Now that we are out on our own and living as single-again women, what could we say is our greatest feeling of all? Would it be the peace we now enjoy? Would it be relief from all the chaos and verbal and physical abuse? How about freedom? All of these and more are a reason to celebrate and fill our hearts with unexplainable joy.

Our Own Independence Day

If our lives do not exactly feel that way (yet), it is okay! We may still be mourning for a life left behind even though that life wasn't what we imagined it should be way back when. Now, think about this: all that freedom we talked about in the above paragraph can be scary and maybe the reason that keeps us from moving forward.   

We have many difficult choices right now so it may seem easier to just turn back and grab for something that is no longer there, which only causes confusion and emptiness. But when we look at our own Independence Day and determine to move through the open doorway, we will see the possibilities for our best life on the other side. And our hearts will dance and sing! 

The momentum that escorts us through that door is exciting. It is like riding a bicycle for the first time in many, many years. We won’t have time to look back but only to view the passing scenery. There are so many things to do, places to go, and plans to make that our days will fly by! Surely we have had ideas running around in our heads for years that we are now free to pursue.

“Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending” (Carl Bard aka Carl Sandburg, American writer, and editor).

The quote is a favorite because it displays an attitude of never giving up. If one thing does not work in our lives, we can always try another way. If going in one direction is frustrating, choose a friendlier path. Don’t allow anything to get in the way. Deep down, we know what we want. We must go after it. Today!

Anything Missing?

Congratulations! We are on our way! Planning, experimenting, and seeking wise counsel are all part of this new way to rebuild our lives. We may even want to find other women who are traveling in the same direction. In fact, it is advisable to do so. They may be struggling at the beginning or learning to navigate in the middle or have nearly reached the finish line. So, someone who knows will be there to come alongside to help.

The Bible says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT).

If we sense something missing while planning our adventure, it may just be a lack of support from others. Let’s not keep our new marital status a secret fearing other women will gossip. If our attitude is new, fresh, and hopeful, others can’t help but see an improvement in us.

"A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song" (Proverbs 15:15 The Message).