July 4th is just around the corner and for many of us are planning picnics, reunions, and other ways to celebrate our freedom. It is a time of fun, remembrance, and celebrating what we have achieved. We are able to celebrate our independence as a family, a community and a country.
Celebrations like this remind us of several very important things. We are reminded of our values and that what we hold dear is worth preserving. As leaders your values are those things that you do not trade for profit, or for any other type of gain. Even when it is not popular, we need to hold fast to what we believe to be true.
We are also reminded that our accomplishments are about what is best for the people we serve. The freedom that was accomplished so long ago still benefits people today. Our freedom was won not just for ourselves, but for everyone. Leaders must see their efforts and decisions in light of impacting people for good.
Finally, celebrations while marking what has been accomplished, also remind us to continue the work. While we have freedom, it is not a perfect freedom nor is it universal. There is still so much work to do to ensure our freedom is strong and inclusive. Leaders must not rest on what they accomplished in the past, but instead strive for an even better future.
As we celebrate the fourth of July, let’s embrace these lessons so that there will be reasons to celebrate in the future. We must work together to strengthen our values and ensure that the benefits we enjoy are shared by all!
