Age & Beauty

July 4, 2026 marks the 250th birthday of the USA.

Meanwhile, another big birthday celebration is happening in Barcelona, Spain, with the completion of La Sagrada Familia. It took 144 years to finish. The massive stone cathedral was begun in 1882 by the 30 year-old architect, Antoni Gaudi. Both birthdays share important themes.

Gaudi dedicated his life to the construction of his dream. He chose not to marry, have children, or even have a home. He lived the last decades of his life in a bare space within the building. He knew that he would not live to see his masterpiece finished, but he drew the blueprints anyway. Many thought him eccentric as he paced through the jobsite with no care for his own appearance. Less than a quarter of the church was built when he died in 1926, but the church and the streets were packed with mourners who appreciated the genius of his work.

Gaudi had famously stated that his “client (God) is not in a hurry.” He trusted that future generations would continue the work. In fact, because of the chaos of three wars, all construction stopped for almost 30 years after his death. Finally, in the 1950’s, a new generation of architects restarted construction.

In much the same way, the US’s founding generation built a democratic framework for our new country. They laid a foundation and left us the blueprints to keep building a more perfect union. They knew it would require constant, multi-generational refining and maintenance.

The breathtaking final towers of the basilica stand today because stonemasons, computerized engineers, and public donors from around the world united to complete Gaudi’s dream. In much the same way, the health of our nation relies on our ability to unite our diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives toward a common goal of a government that’s for the people.

As we enjoy the fireworks and celebrations this month, let’s remember that we can all be builders. We can all use our lives to refine our communities and improve things for the next generation. It’s good to remember that the most worthwhile endeavors and the most beautiful things and structures are those built to endure long after we are gone.

What are you building today?

For a glimpse of Gaudi’s majestic masterpiece, Click on the link below.