So, here we are at the close of another month. Hard to believe that the first six months of June are already ending. 2008 is in a hurry to end. I love Autumn, but I'm in no hurry for it to arrive. I am in a place where I can finally enjoy the pleasures of each season. Which reminds I talk about that in my book, The Real Paige Turner (on bookstore shelves in the future)! Sorry for the shameless plug!
With July upon us I of course think of the 4th of July and all that is wrapped up in celebrating America's birthday. We have so much to celebrate, so many freedoms. Even with gas over the $4/gallon mark, our gas is still less expensive than a majority of the other developed nations, so I grumble too, and I wonder how I will stretch my budget to fill up Mr. Roboto, but I am also thankful to be able to afford a car to drive where I need go (esp. since I don't have a bike anymore, wish I did).
America is so amazing,wonderful and blessed. I'm thankful to all the men and women who have ever put on a uniform to protect and bring about the blessings of America. I am also thankful for their friends and families. It is hard to be left behind, wondering if Bobby and Sally are safe and healthy. Yet, millions of us are here holding down the home front. And soldiers are still dying to protect America.
We have such a well trained military, and in the 21st century it is an all volunteer military. We don't have to worry if we will get a draft notice in the mail, or if our children will be grabbed at work and forced to go to Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea. The people serving chose to serve, and because of that they are better trained and perform their duties better. Do they wish that they didn't have to be in Iraq or Afghanistan, and that they could be home with their friends and family? Oh I bet they do, but they go because they love America. So THANKS!
Freedom. It sounds like such an easy word to say, and we fling it around. Yet it is a precious precious word. Freedom. I have the freedom to write this blog, and say whatever I want, and you have the freedom to read it. I have the freedom to drive my car and wear whatever I want as I drive the car. I can get whatever job I want, be whatever I want to be. I can bow down and worship whomever I want, and so can you. I can go out and buy a handgun or rifle and the government won't take it away. I get to vote!
I get to say who I think should make my laws, and if I don't like the laws they make, I can protest that, and there is recourse to change the laws and remove the lawmakers. We in America are so blessed. We have the freedom to watch whatever we want on television. We can live with whomever we want, and in the privacy of our homes, do whatever we want with them (as long as it doesn't infringe on their right to life and liberty).
As much as I disagree with some lifestyles, I respect that they have the right in America to live them, because the same rights that protect them, protect me. Do I think same sex couples should be granted marriage licenses? Not really. Union licenses maybe, but not a marriage license. But I do think they have the right to live together and be happy, because I want my rights to live with my husband to be protected.
We go to the store and can buy whatever we want, whenever we want. How often do we pause and think how amazing that is. There are places around the globe where women can't do that, where women aren't given driver's licenses and are told exactly how to dress and have rules and when they can go to certain places and who has to be with them.
Even worse than that, as if that isn't enough bondage there are places where if a woman is RAPED, so can be stoned to death for allowing herself to be raped and bringing shame to her family!!! Not being a virgin at your wedding is a crime punishable by death! And we here in America treat virtue and purity like a cheap candy bar. Tragic, both cases.
It makes me wonder sometimes just how wonderful our society is in America, and yet how much of a toilet bowl it can be. We are so focused on celebrating our rights and freedoms that we go too far and nothing has value anymore. Sad. I wonder what God thinks as HE looks down on us as a nation. Does HE weep for America, or is HE angered, or both? We have been given a gift to live here as citizens, and look how we use it!
It is our job as Christians to show the world what it means to enjoy the freedoms of America and to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God. We can have fun and enjoy life. God is not a killjoy. He is a fun God. Why else would HE create so many unique creatures and features to this earth? God wants us to enjoy this life, and we can, but we can do it in a way that brings glory to HIM at the same time.
So, as we celebrate this wonderful holiday and think of all the sacrifices that have been made so we can be here in the wonderful country. Let us all remember that our lives are to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
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