The Fourth of July is a day to be thankful for our country and our rights. It's a day where we celebrate our freedoms. And with our freedoms, there is a huge amount of things to be thankful for. From family to our opportunities, the Fourth of July is more than just a day for cookouts. It's a day to look around, take a deep breath, and watch the fireworks show in peace.

In some other countries, families are torn apart by politics and borders. To me, it's devastating to see other people pulled from their loved ones. People need family. People need love. Forced separation would really tear someone down. Suddenly, you're alone and without anyone who loves you.

In some other countries, people can not enter a place of worship freely. There are governments and militaries to keep people from worshipping. Worship leads people to God and to His greatest commandments: Love God. Love Others.

There are places with people that are not thinking about freedoms or possibilities. People do not even know what the word "opportunity" means because they have never experienced it. They're running from men with guns or fighting for the next drop of water.

We know America is not perfect, but we are blessed.

We have freedoms that let us all see each other. The internet is connecting us with the world. We can talk to friends that live hours away or Skype our parents when we're away at college. We're not being pulled away from each other as American citizens. We're not forced to be alone and away from those we love.

We can walk into our churches twice on Sunday and once on Wednesday... or even more if we want. We can love God. We can love others. We are able to create ministries and spread God's Word. We can open our Bibles and read stories of love and forgiveness to our children.

We have days dedicated to our freedoms. We have days that are meant for appreciation and celebration. We don't have to be scared. We can reach for whatever stars and goals we can think of. Really, nothing is off the table. Opportunity is running in our veins because of where we live.

So, this Fourth of July, I'll be watching the fireworks thinking about our privileges and opportunities. I'll hug my family because others can't. But, I'll also think of ways to make a difference. How can we make this a better place? How can we make others see opportunity? How can we spread God's Word?

Let's be thankful for our country. But, let's also go beyond that. Let's work towards a happy world where people can be with loved ones, be with God, and be with opportunity.