RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT THE FOURTH
Last night I went to sleep listening to the sound of fireworks. I said to Ann, "If we were in the middle of a war right now, we wouldn’t know it. We’d just think the gunshots were firecrackers." Being a person who often faces problems by denying their existence, I can imagine the following conversation.Ann says, "Honey, I really don’t want to upset you, but I think you ought to know there’s a cannon in the street and the barrel is pointed toward our house."
I say, "Go back to sleep. You’re an alarmist. It’s nothing but a bunch of kids trying to shoot off the ultimate Roman candle."
Fourth of July celebrations have changed. I can remember when we just had to go on a picnic on the fourth of July. Since I now live in the Louisiana heat and humidity, I would rather stay inside under the air conditioning. There was a time when oratory was the order of the day. If Daniel Webster were alive today, I don’t think he’d draw much of a crowd to hear him deliver a jim-dandy speech on the merits of the constitution.
That being said, I love being an American. I’m glad we have this nation. I’m glad some guys put their lives on the line at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, even though I recognize they were rebelling against the "powers that be." (Romans 13:1 - KJV). So here are some of my random thoughts about being an American.
I like Lee Greenwood’s sentiments, "I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free."
But being an American, even a patriotic American, doesn’t make me a Christian.
God loves people in other countries as much as he loves us.
Our nation is not a theocracy, but I hope we never take the phrase "under God" out of the pledge of allegiance.
It’s one thing to love the country enough to want to correct some of it’s shortcomings; it’s quite another to hate the country.
I’m glad I don’t have to pass through military checkpoints to get from my house to work. I’m glad the police haven’t closed the doors to the church building.
I bleed red, white and blue, and I hope you do too.
posted by Norman @ 7:25 AM
2 Comments:
Dear friend, couldn't agree with you more regarding the 4th, and even everyday celebration of our freedom in America....And, of course, that freedom pales in comparison to our freedom in Christ. Hallelujah Brother!
dpr
I remember the big thrill of driving with grandpa - 3 miles- to get a vanilla ice-cream cone; that was the extent of the celebration, but oh what memories. Just remember, you can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, but we are all enjoy this country and the many benefits because brave men & women wanted a place to worship without government intervention- Happy 4th.
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