Monday; July 4

Happy Independence Day – 2022!

There are several reasons to like July 4 – the picnics, the fireworks, the day off from work, the time with the family and maybe an afternoon visit to the old ballpark. If there is one quintessential American holiday, it would probably be July 4. Because of when and where I grew up, the Fourth of July holiday has been special to me because it represented what America stood for – freedom, democracy and capitalism just to name a few. Yet, over the last few years, pride in American and the American way of life has taken a hit. Due to struggles with unity, partisan politics and a loss of nationalistic pride, Independence Day does not shine as brightly as it did before. Now, I am not here to criticize what the day has become, but I would like to make a few suggestions to help us restore some of the joy in our nation and our national day. First, we should remember just how blessed we are. No, the USA is not perfect – and we have had our share of problems – but it is still a pretty good place to live. When we look at the conditions of many of the countries around us, we can be thankful for when and where we live. Secondly, we can be grateful for the checks and balances in our system. There is an old adage that says if no one is completely happy, compromise is working. The shifts in policies and principles over the last few years are reminders that our nation seeks to find homeostasis (balance). No, we never truly achieve it, but in the effort, we typically land somewhere in a livable existence. Finally, we should remember to pray for our nation and our leaders. Paul wrote, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (I Timothy 2:1-2). When we do more praying for success and less blaming for failure, we’ll all be in a better position to enjoy life.

Think About It!

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