Independence Day

        Happy Independence Day, everybody! This is one of my favorite holidays and as usual I spent it with my family cooking and watching the kids play. We also got to enjoy the company of new friends this year which was really nice. That's one of the things about holidays I enjoy the most, enjoying the company of friends and family. I am strongly patriotic, not in the blindly adoring way that some are, but in the gut-wrenchingly painful way. I had 2 brothers who served in the Persian Gulf under President G.H. Bush, and I myself served under President Clinton, but my appreciation of this country was developed before that time. As a student of history I was always aware of our countries origin and it is a truly unique heritage that had its roots planted deeply in the minds of people like Martin Luther. However. the alignment of all the factors and circumstance that ultimately led to our founding was not solely in the hands of men, but in the will of our creator himself. The same God that parted light from darkness and later the Red Sea, had a plan for this continent. To think that the same God who established the Isrealites as a chosen people would someday create a haven for those who wanted to serve him fully is very humbling.

        I know that I don't have to trace our heritage here, but know that I am keenly aware of the factors that eventually led to our establishment and I am truly thankful and awed. This place we are blessed to call home is a gift of infinite value. I am also aware that we are squandering it. It is that thought that brings the feeling of disdain I feel on Holidays like this one. I believe that their commercial value has surpassed their patriotic value.

        I say all of this to prepare you for what follows. I was doing some last minute shopping today and after finishing the rounds at my local grocery store I approached the counter with my things. I could see the cashier was haggard and as a way of letting him know he was not alone I said, "I can't wait until this day is over.", to which he smiled and agreed. An older man behind me said your generation is ungrateful and that we should be ashamed. His comment stung for several reasons and I was quiet for a moment while I pondered them. The first was that I kind of agreed, the second was that I couldn't disagree more (think about that for a while). I turned back to him and said, "Sir? No disrespect intended, but what has occupied your mind today more...your country...or your grill?" He didn't have a response, but our eyes met on the contents of his basket...charcoal, lighter fluid and hamburger buns.

        I will close by saying most of the time I am ungrateful and for that I am ashamed, but not today. Today I am thankful beyond words.