I feel that the representatives of those thirteen fledgling colonies, who gathered in Philadelphia 250 years ago, would be amazed that they were successful in severing their political ties to Great Britain.

They probably did not think that the nation they were working to shape would still be alive and well in 2026, growing to include fifty states whose people still believe in the philosophies they were incorporating into The Declaration of Independence.

Who would have thought we would still believe that all people “are endowed…with unalienable Rights,” including “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Preamble to the Declaration of Independence. National Archives). Or that our understanding of those rights would develop as the years progress.

Who would have thought this country would still derive legitimacy solely from the involvement and permission of the people. Or that we would become stronger as we become larger and more diverse.

Who would have thought the representatives of those thirteen original colonies could be a model of governmental service. Those fifty-six men had not balked at making the necessary trips to Philadelphia. Some walked a few blocks, and others came up to 800 miles, by horse or carriage. They gathered, listened, dreamed, and envisioned a form of government like no other. Future representatives have benefitted from new forms of transportation but still come together and work to find a common vision.

Who would have thought that the delegates would make it through those first days. Delegates arrived demanding that their colony’s form of government could expand perfectly into a national model.

Miraculously, as they listened to each other explaining their beliefs, they valued their fellow delegates, their experiences, and their points of view. Then, instead of just trying to find ways to compromise, they worked to develop a form of government that would best fit everyone’s needs. That is the process we still work within today.

Who would have thought the religious persecution many had endured would bring the idea of religious freedom to the floor. How religious freedom is lived out continues to challenge us as our nation continues to diversify.

Who would have thought that this Declaration of Independence being written and signed in Philadelphia would be part of a massive wave of similar declarations. We discovered there were about one hundred more local declarations happening in the colonies (digitalhistory.uh.edu). Locally the Fair Play Men living in the West Branch Susquehanna River Valley signed their own declaration that same day, beneath the Tiadaghton Elm on the banks of Pine Creek in what we now think of as the Jersey Shore area.

Who would have thought that God would be encouraging us to develop new ways of living together and to build a structure that would be best for everyone.

People of faith discover daily that God’s steadfast love is not limited to their group. God’s love for all creation was just as amazing 250 years ago as it is today. God wants the best for each of us and wants us to want the best for each other.

God’s guidance and encouragement is available to all. Many years ago, God guided Abraham in his search for a wife for his second son, Isaac. Faithful to the instructions God had given him years earlier, Abraham sent his most trusted servant back to his homeland to find the woman God had in mind for Isaac (Genesis 24).

God’s steadfast love for us all models the way we are to live together, no matter the time or place.

Rev. Gwen Bernstine serves Lycoming Presbyterian Church, now nesting in Covenant Central Presbyterian Church.