Contemplating America

.
I'm feeling kind of dry these days -- not much to say about anything. I've been in "observation mode." I prefer to just sit back and watch, absorb, contemplate. There is much to watch and wonder about.

But as I've been thinking, especially this week, as we approach our nation's Independence Day, I've made a list of "observations" -- things to be grateful for on this "Fourth" weekend, in the United States of America.

We're a nation of gripers these days. Nothing seems right, and I do my own share of griping, I admit. Yesterday, I was driving my children to see Toy Story 3 when I saw a bumper sticker. It said "Secede Texas," with one lone star. The owner of the vehicle (a big SUV style truck) was clearly someone in favor of the state of Texas leaving the Union -- someone who loves Texas. I was mildly taken aback and had to stop myself from trying to get a glimpse of the owner of the vehicle -- no judgment passed, just a big "wow."

What would make one think it is better NOT to be a state in these United States, and what would that entail? I thought. Clearly no taxes, right? No pushy government, But, also no benefits, no funds, no protection. No protection. Wow. That's a big thought.

And since I saw that bumper sticker, I've been trying to look at these United States from a different perspective. Not "what's wrong?" but "what's right? what's still good?" And my observations are below, some serious, some light. Please feel free to add your own in the com box.




We are free to gather, collect, assemble as a people. We can collect at church, in protest, in celebration, to watch a parade, to listen to a concert, have a picnic, watch a ball game, enjoy fireworks. We may gather to march, even at the doors to Congress, or on City Hall, to shout at, cheer about, complain vehemently, or sing loudly.

We defend the weak (albeit not a universal definition of "the weak"), fight for the rights of the oppressed, aid the needy. We support our neighbors, here and abroad. We reach out in friendship.

We have Coke. Cold Coke, with ice if desired. And cold beer. And hot barbecue. And fresh corn on the cob. And pie. :-)

We have choices all day, every day: what to eat, where to eat, who to visit, what to see, where to go, what to learn, what to say, what to buy, where to pray, when to pray, when to sleep.

We have oceans, lakes and streams, mountains and great, green fields, snow and sunshine, thunderstorms, and vast expanses of nature where the stars can be seen at night.

Peach says, "We have swimming pools."



In this country, we may not, unjustly, be imprisoned.



We may not be forced to work at a job we do not wish to work at.



We may have as many children as we want to have.



We have a military which is powerful, righteous, trustworthy, and faithful.



We have good farmers, policemen, firemen, doctors, nurses, inventors, teachers, clergy.



We have skyscrapers, red barns, covered bridges, dirt roads, fields of corn, ranches, enormous parks, and playgrounds.


We can fly our flag, sing our national anthem, praise our God, speak our truths.



Happy Fourth of July, my friends.







.