America

Tomorrow is the birthday of one of the greatest nations that this world has ever seen. Why? I don’t know. When one stops to consider, the fact that America exists is a miracle. It’s a well-known fact that parliamentary bodies never agree. We don’t expect them to. Even if they manage to pass some bills and laws, the fight is long, bitter and never unanimous. And yet in 1776, a Congress gathered, argued and united to sign a Declaration of Independence that – to this day – astounds a world. Did they all agree? No. The exact words Thomas Jefferson wrote were not the ones that were signed. But on July 2, 1776; ???? men agreed to disagree for a higher cause. A feat no other nation has ever accomplished. Truly, America, God has shed His grace on thee.

And yet today, people all over this nation will enjoy firework shows in celebration of the 4^th of July. Yes, today. July 3^rd. Not because any of them have any idea that if we wanted to be 100% accurate we should actually celebrate the 2^nd of July and so compromise with a happy medium. Or because the 4^th falls in the middle of week instead of a nice weekend (and so we should celebrate on the 5^th or 6^th of July). No, the reason so many large (and small) cities in America will set off their fireworks today is because the 4^th is a holiday and heaven forbid that we should pay city employees overtime to work it.

Really? We come to celebrate the birthday of the greatest of all nations and we worry about paying overtime. Or worse, the citizens of this nation demand to get paid overtime for celebrating their freedom. Maybe somebody should tell that to our soldiers overseas who not only work overtime but do it everyday of the week – unpaid – to protect the freedoms we’re celebrating. Could we be any more selfish?

Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised. Do we not live in a nation where we think privileges are our right? It doesn’t matter if we can’t afford it. It’s our right to have nice vacations, big homes, more than one car and so many clothes we don’t even know what’s in the back of our closets. That’s the American way. Right up there with social security, debt, abortion, broken homes, illegal immigrants, public education and turning a blind eye to evil – especially the evil of those who lead this nation. Americans don’t do anything for nothing. If we’re going to celebrate our nation’s birthday on it’s birthday, then we need to get paid overtime.

In all honesty, I am disgusted by most Americans. People who don’t know the sacrifices of their history and certainly don’t care.  But I love this nation. I thank our soldiers, I pledge our beautiful flag and I read of the biographies of great men and women who gave so much for her with humility. And even if I don’t grill hamburgers or see fireworks on the 4^th, I will give my God thanks for His longsuffering and mercy.  And pray for another miracle…