Gratitude in service

Ah, the holidays. The Fourth has grown on me over the years, it hasn't always been one of my very favorite holidays. Christmas and Easter are always special. The simplicity of Thanksgiving is extra sweet, gathering to break bread and give thanks. But July 4th is more and more remarkable to me as each year goes by.

There is a feeling that summer is now finally in full swing. Locals and visitors gather for the parades, brats and burgers with friends and extended families. But it's more than that. This weekend we celebrate Independence Day and all that it means. How courageous it must have been for such a mighty and hopeful group of people to gather together in the 1770s, setting individual egos aside as much as possible, to work together for justice, freedom and liberty!

My husband and I watched "Hamilton" recently and we were mesmerized by the music and story. The hard work and sacrifice it took so many people to allow us to have this democracy, and then create a document, our constitution, that would guide us almost 250 years later is absolutely awe inspiring.

Now I think of the Fourth as a Thanksgiving. I am grateful for the freedoms that we have: to wander and worship, to work and learn, to grow a family, be a part of a community, and to serve others. Some people define liberty as the responsibility that comes with freedom, to honor other people's freedom as well as our own. Hmmm....food for thought as we enjoy our brats and beverages!

I wish you all the loveliest Fourth of July and hope we can all appreciate our independence, freedom and liberty. As always, to represent you best, I need to know what's on your mind. Don't ever hesitate to call me on my cell 406-274-3805 or email me at shannonformontana@gmail.com. Blessing to you and yours and God bless Montana!