Freedom Isn't Free... But Sometimes We Forget 💙❤️

Every year when September 11th rolls around, social media fills up with American flags, eagles, and the words...

"Never Forget."

And we shouldn't.

We absolutely shouldn't.

But this morning, I found myself thinking about something a little different.

I think sometimes...

We forget all the little freedoms that have become so normal, we barely even notice them anymore.

The freedom to sip my coffee on my front porch. ☕

The freedom to worship at church on Sunday. ⛪

The freedom to write this blog.

The freedom to disagree with somebody without being afraid.

The freedom to chase crazy dreams...

Even if those dreams somehow end with a turkey named Bernie standing on your roof. 🤦‍♀️🦃🤣

Those things aren't little.

They're blessings.

As some of y'all know, I served in the Army. 🇺🇸

And while I don't talk about it all the time, serving gave me something I'll always carry with me...

A deep appreciation for this country.

Is America perfect?

No.

Neither am I.

Neither are you.

But she's still home.

And she's still worth loving.

One of my favorite things about this country is that every one of us gets to write our own story.

Some people build businesses.

Some raise families.

Some teach.

Some serve.

Some grow food.

Some make people laugh.

Some quietly change the world without anybody ever knowing their name.

There's room for all of us.

That's something pretty special.

You know what else I love?

Small-town America.

Flags flying from front porches. 🇺🇸

Kids riding bicycles until the streetlights come on.

Churches on country roads.

Neighbors waving when you drive by.

Veterans wearing old ball caps that quietly tell stories they may never speak out loud.

That's America, too.

Sometimes the greatest way we can honor those who came before us isn't with a Facebook post.

It's by living well.

By loving our families.

Helping our neighbors.

Being kind.

Working hard.

Laughing often.

Thanking the people who serve.

Praying for our country.

And refusing to take the little things for granted.

Because somewhere...

Someone sacrificed so we could enjoy ordinary days.

Days filled with coffee.

Family.

Freedom.

And yes...

Even chasing chickens through the yard. 🐔🤣

If you happen to see a veteran today...

Thank them.

Not because they expect it.

But because it matters.

Trust me.

It matters more than you know.

And before I go...

I'd like to say thank you to every military member, veteran, first responder, dispatcher, firefighter, police officer, EMT, nurse, doctor, and every person who answers the call when someone else is having the worst day of their life.

Y'all don't do it for the recognition.

But today, I hope you know you're appreciated.

God bless y'all.

And God bless America. ❤️🤍💙

So tell me...

When you think of America, what's one simple thing you're thankful for today?

I'd love to read your answers. 🇺🇸☕❤️