Salute

The word-wide obsession with our devices and mankind whirling along the surface of the earth without actually living on it has me thinking. For all our technological advances we may have missed something important.

Spoiler alert: While I believe God blesses America, I am not blind or ignorant. We’re in a mess. And yet we’re a blessed mess. “And that’s all I have to say about that.”

So, now that’s out of the way:

I’ve noticed a distinctive change in American society. I admit, I’ve corrected youngsters for being disruptive or disrespectful during the National Anthem at baseball games, etc. That’s old school and can be risky. It’s also one of the perks of being old.

As a kid when I stepped out of line, whether they knew me, my family or not, a momma or a father was often quick to correct me. It was perfectly acceptable then and I appreciate their guidance more now than ever.

Today in our litigious society, we may have missed the importance of teaching our history, our good traditions to our young. Things like pausing for the playing of the National Anthem, saying the Pledge of Allegiance and what it all means. I didn’t learn it in school – I learned at home. While it may be part of a teacher’s seemingly endless job, it’s not their responsibility; it’s the parents’. And don’t get me started about showing appreciation for service persons in uniform…

So, before I start another rabbit trail, on this Independence Day, I apologize for the poor quality of the following video. Like me it’s old school. But as a society we need to hear the message. Like our full, accurate history, complete with some shameful attitudes and incorrectness, it’s important to remember what it’s all about.

Feel free to stand. Or pray.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

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Celebrate!

In case I haven’t mentioned it lately, I love Independence Day. It has been my favorite holiday as long as I’ve been considered an adult. In my corner of the world it’s all about family then too.

While my guys were growing up it never mattered what was happening within our family, in the country, the world, or whose team is winning (go Cubs, GO!). We always gathered together to celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style every year. Regardless of who was promoted since last year, inducted, retired or who died we celebrate America with unbridled exuberance.

And my family has always done it with food, music, a bang, and especially with fireworks, usually on our property – and high above it. It’s another time it’s good to have firefighters and law enforcement officers in the family 😉

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Even as the boys spread out across the country, sometimes the world, we managed to draw together – at least by Skyping sometimes.

My favorite tradition is, before dusk we all share at least one thing we enjoy or appreciate as Americans – this can go on and on… Granted, some of us call some things people enjoy all over the globe, but with a year to work on it the guys are usually creative.

This year with extra shifts, day camp, my move and the ongoing organization project here, the best we could do was to gather together and cut up in a private Facebook chat. I don’t mind too awfully much; airfare is too costly this time of year and the face time filled up my family love tank.

While browsing around I found a video link that inspired me. You’re welcome:

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31 (NLT)

Images courtesy ABSFreePic, * Image by Audrey Larin, courtesy Unsplash

Freedom

Is it just me? Or does this particular American Independence Day seem to come with a special uniqueness. I wonder…

In my new neighborhood where daily I see Street People, many in bondage to substances, people seem more hopeless and desperate. And with Brexit, the Presidential Campaign shenanigans, and random acts of intentional mayhem dominating the news headlines, I actually appreciate my freedoms more than ever before.

Each new day from my first breath till I rest at night I make a strong effort to fill my space with thanks for my many blessings. And nearly every day, especially those in which I don’t talk with one of my “kids,” I remember freedom is not free. It’s a good habit.

July 4th is not necessarily about recognizing our Armed Forces, Veterans, First Responders or to remember those who gave their all in the service of their country. Still, without so many Americans who have throughout history and still continue to risk everything to defend our values, standing against insurmountable odds, tyranny and terrorism, again and again we would not have established and grown this land of liberty. Without all the above we would not have the freedom to exercise our rights:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...”*

I may be myopic here, but especially since the recent attacks on Paris, Orlando and Istanbul, I keep thinking of the line from the 1996 movie Independence Day**:

“…We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps its fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom…”

Maybe I actually am getting old. Or maybe the pressure of world events is exceptionally heavy lately. Still, in the back of my mind the song that inspired me as a child resounds in me today:

God Bless America!

“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” 1 Timothy 2:8 (NLT)

*Declaration of Independence

**1996 Independence Day

Image courtesy ABSFreePic