Happy 4th of July!

This is an image of a tree. On one side, I laid white fabric on top and cut the leaves out of the white to show the underlying black and white fabric.  On the other side, I used black fabric on top and cut out leaves to show the underlying similar black and white fabric.  When you look at this piece, you see a tree.  Yes, there are two sides, but they come together to make a whole tree. 

Independence Day is a time to celebrate these United States.  Recently, our country has seemed so divided, so angry at each other, not wanting the other side to even exist.  But like this tree, under the surface, we are more alike than different.  We all want to grow, to be part of something beautiful. If we were to cut this tree down the middle, the tree would no longer be beautiful.  If we get rid of the contrast, there is no tree.   

We need each other.  I often need to remind myself that it is the contrast that makes life interesting.  I want others to allow me my freedom, so I need to grant them theirs.  That is not easy.  Keeping a diverse country free is hard work.  But the hard work is what makes it great.