Last night as I was standing in line to checkout at Target (again), the young girls behind me in line started discussing their plans for the fourth. One of them said, "Well, I'm just not a big Fourth of July person. I just don't get it."
Don't get it? Don't get celebrating our independence? Don't get marking the anniversary of our freedom? Don't grasp the fact that-- while we aren't without our problems to be sure-- we still live in a great country that represents what so many people in the world go without?
I refrained from turning around and saying all this to her. I figured I would let her mother explain it.
As I thought about this next generation coming along behind us, I wondered how often we explain to them what they have and how absolutely blessed they are. We have running water. My friend Mary DeMuth just returned from a mission trip to Africa where their sole purpose was to drill a well for a village so they could have water. Something so simple and something we turn on our taps and totally take for granted. We have food that is readily available and not withheld from us by our government. We have freedom of religion. At She Speaks two weeks ago, I was struck by how awesome it is that we could gather in a hotel-- a public place-- and worship freely, pray freely, and shake the rafters with our songs. We celebrated God without fear of being arrested or threatened. Ask the Christians in China what that's worth.
My country may not be without its problems--but it is still an awesome place to live. I thank God He chose for me to be born here for such a time as this and I plan to celebrate Independence Day and all that it represents because I do get it. I pray all Americans do.
7 comments:
Amen!
Happy 4th of July! Wonderful devotion and blog. Thank You for the reminder about are calling and trusting God completely that he will make that come true.
Have a great day with your family
Hugs
I couldn't agree more!
btw, I read your devo today on the Prov. 31 site and it really spoke to me. So often, people tell me that they don't know how I do all I do, so then I get to feeling sorry for myself and look for something to cut out. The thing is, everything I do seems to be something God gave me to do! So I guess I will just pray that He gives me the strength to do it! And keep on keeping on ...
thank you for your devo at p31 today...what a great reminder and thank you again for your thoughts on your blog....God is using you in a mighty way.
Hava great holiday!
Thanks for your Prov. 31 devotion. I homeschool and some days I just think I am doing a horrible job and can't do it anymore. I will keep trusting God to help me.
Happy 4th of July!
Your 7/4 devotion spoke to me in a different way. I have no children, a small but rewarding job, and several (major!) tasks that God has required of me, esp. working on my marriage! Some people think I'm not busy enough, & I was startng to get down on myself, because I believed them. Recently, I have started to rely and really LEAN on God's special provision for me. Whatever He has for me to do, will be OK with me! Your ministry & all the gals in it are a true godsend!!! God bless you all!
amen sister!
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