Ah, July 4. Along with Thanksgiving it is truly the most American of paid vacation days. What do you first think of when you think of July 4? Dogs, burgers, and baked beans? Large outdoor gatherings with friends, family, and fireworks? Will Smith movies? I’ll cop to that last one; if it makes no sense to you, you’re probably relatively normal. Check this out if you’re curious.

For me, July 4 is usually a pleasant enough holiday. But it’s one that’s easy for me to take for granted (and many other people, I suspect). I want to challenge you to go just a little bit deeper in your Independence Day experience this year. Here are a few ways to make this July 4 a little more meaningful:

THANK A VETERAN. George Orwell wrote, “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” Since the Revolutionary War, men and women have volunteered to defend America and the freedoms she stands for. Countless Americans have shed their blood and even paid the ultimate price for those freedoms. If you have the occasion to meet a man or woman who has served or is serving in the armed forces, take a few minutes to sincerely say, “Thanks.”

DO SOME HOMEWORK. How much do you know about America’s Christian heritage? How much do you know about the Founders’ faith, and how much it informed their vision of government and society? There has been a great effort in Hollywood, mainstream media, and academia, to rewrite American history so that much of Judeo-Christian influence is scrubbed away. Don’t believe the hype! Web sites like www.wallbuilders.com are invaluable resources that provide overwhelming evidence of the Christian heritage from which America was born. I also recommend author David McCullough’s excellent John Adams and 1776, and Dr. Bill Bennett’s indispensable two-volume history, America: The Last, Best Hope.

WRITE A LETTER! The definition of impossible is attempting to find another country on this planet with more freedom of expression than the U.S. of A. For a timely contrast, just check out the way the recent “elections” in Iran—and related protests—are going. Our First Amendment rights allow us to worship God (or Allah, or Brad Pitt, or whatever), to assemble peacefully, and to COMPLAIN if we don’t like the way things are going! Take a look around. Read your newspaper. Watch the news. Are you mad about how things are going? Write about it and let someone know! By doing so you are exercising a basic human right that precious few citizens on planet earth enjoy, at least not to the extent that we Americans do.

SERVE. If you are reading this, then you probably own a computer, which probably means that you enjoy a standard of living that your great-grandparents never dreamt possible (and that “wealthy” people in some other countries still do not enjoy). It is my belief that God has blessed this nation and its people for so long in part because of our acknowledgement of Him. Consider seeking out a service opportunity, either through a church ministry or a civic organization, in which you can extend a hand to those who are less fortunate than you. As just one example, the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Louisville is a great place to volunteer to serve food or perform other needed tasks. Of course there are many others.

THANK GOD. I am a Saturday night worshipper. I am really looking forward to being able to take some time out of my 4th of July to give thanks to God for American freedoms first given voice in 1776. I am most grateful, though, for freedom offered to the entire world much, much earlier than that. The freedom I have in Jesus Christ.

These are just a few ideas, I’m sure there are many other ways to celebrate July 4 that go a bit deeper than corn hole and casseroles. If you have any meaningful traditions or would like to share your thoughts about Independence Day, feel free to drop me a line. And have a great 4th of July.