The arrival of the first of July means that the year is already half over.

It provides a point for all of us to look back and take stock of what we have, or haven’t done to this point in 2014.

We, as your local newspaper, strive each day to inform you of what is happening in Pearl River County.

We in turn hope you can use this information in some form or fashion to make a difference and make our community a better place to live.

The Fourth of July holiday reminds us of the importance of freedom, and gives us a chance to celebrate and give thanks for that important fact.

It also should prompt us as a community to think of ways we can give back and make our day-to-day lives even more enjoyable.

What have we done over the first six months of this year?

What could we do over the last six months of this year?

These are questions we face that we as a society can always strive to answer in positive ways.

The answers can be small to us, but perhaps enormous to those we help.

The smallest act can at times turn out to be exactly what our friend or neighbor, or even a complete stranger, may need just at that point in their day.

So as we head towards the final stretch of yet another year, we urge our fellow citizens of Pearl River County to make a difference in some way, shape or form.

The freedom that we celebrated on Friday allows us the opportunity as Americans to ensure that not only can we enjoy a high quality of life, but we can do what we are able to make sure the brethren we share our daily lives with can do the same.

These can be achieved through random acts of kindness like helping a neighbor in need, a stranded motorist or a person across the street.

Other options are also available. Care packages sent to men and women serving overseas in the military are also appreciated.