I’ve never been a big 4th of July decorator. There is no patriotic quilt in my future. Fireworks were fun when I was a kid. Our neighbor used to set a ladder in the street and nail his rockets to it, while we ran around barefoot with sparklers. My kids don’t know what that’s like. They grew up watching scheduled fireworks displays in school fields or parks. Those nights required bug spray and a folding chair and the older I get, bedtime seems more desirable.
Why this year you ask?
Good question. With all of the political back and forth, yin and yang, pro and con, and the heated way people are attached to their particular issue, it would be simpler to ignore the 4th. I could pretend it’s just another day. We are solidly in red state country right now. Patriotism is abundant and my participation isn’t needed. It’s so patriotic that a recent couple recommended exercising my 2nd Amendment rights while I still can…
My Holy Spirit mouth zipper was firmly in place.
After the last election, I came to the conclusion that the process of electing people, is rife with legacy problems. Ones that lend themselves to shady manipulations. The system itself is broken, ineffective and possibly corrupt. No, I do not ascribe to the conspiracy theory that the 2020 election was stolen. But I continually ask myself if I truly want to participate in a broken or corrupt, system.
I realize that many people, who are completely fed up with America, are seriously considering a move to another country. But every country has its sins and foibles. Many with much longer and worse histories than America’s. We can lament and criticize American sins loudly and often, but until we find a way to compromise and accomplish something worthwhile, they aren’t going away. Despite our sins, the fact remains that America is still…
The freest country in the world, both currently and historically.
I value freedom more than low property taxes, and that’s saying something! I know that many people feel our freedoms are eroding, and possibly it’s true. But as far as I know, no one has prevented me from entering any church I choose, saying what I think (or writing it), anywhere I wish, and living as I do.
People choose RV living for many reasons. In our current campground we see lots of weekend family campers. The great outdoors calls to them, along with the campground swimming pool. There are also workers living here, and people passing through on their way to their next stop. Their freedom to live this way and enjoy this adventure, is a uniquely American freedom.
Maybe it’s our pioneer heritage, but the vastness of our country beckons people to explore it. Our highway system is unparalleled at providing travelers passage across the country. The RV world is filled with options that allow everyone from single people, to extended families, the ability to travel with their house.
American democracy is not for the weak. It allows me the freedom to say or think anything I want to, while also giving that same freedom to someone I despise. It’s complicated and messy, and at times it makes me uncomfortable. It can even wear me out. And just as I adjust to one leader, I find we’ve elected a different one. Some things never change while others change with the stroke of a pen. It challenges me to remember that,
My freedoms end where another person’s begin.
So as I swelter away in my wheely house this 4th, I acknowledge that while America isn’t perfect, it’s still the best that this life offers. I won’t take my freedoms for granted. I’ll exercise them, enjoy them and encourage others to do the same. I honor and applaud our immigrants, who’ve chosen citizenship in this country. Their path is rugged, expensive, lengthy, and complex. They are deeply valued.
And until Jesus returns to set up his Kingdom on earth, I’ll work to make him knowable to the people who need him most.
Let the decorating begin!
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