Have We Remembered To Be Thankful For Our Country?

I have a new friend who is looking to make a permanent move to the United States from her native country in Europe.  She has been living here in the U.S. on a temporary visa that expires very soon.  In a few days, she will be reluctantly traveling back home but her desire is to get another visa, return to the U.S., and attempt to make a permanent home in this country.

Why?

Well, her answer basically includes the same reasons that have inspired millions of people to move to this country:  prosperity, economic hope, freedom and opportunity.  (Also, she can get a much faster Internet signal here.)

I think those of us who have lived in the U.S. our entire lives sometimes forget what an extraordinary place this is.  (I know I sometimes take it for granted.)  

When I take time to reflect on the matter, I’m genuinely thankful for our country, aren’t you?

I realize that some folks will read the previous couple of sentences and think, “Oh yeah?  Hold it just a minute!  What about all the problems we’ve had in this country in the past and all the problems we’re having right now, buddy?!?  This hasn’t been the perfect place you’re making it out to be!”

Yes, it’s true.  There are problems with our country.  (So far, there haven’t been any perfect countries.  Yep, I “googled” it, for verification.)  I see problems.  Like everyone else, I see issues that bother me.  I am troubled by the direction our culture continues to move when it comes to moral issues that directly affect some of the bedrock institutions of society. 

I realize that some people in our country haven’t experienced the justice and equality that we promise.  That is a blemish on our record.

I am greatly bothered by the corruption of many of our leaders.  (I suspect we only know a fraction of it.)  In fact, there is an abandonment of true leadership character and true leadership practices among some of our political leaders that leaves many of us profoundly sad.  (The pursuit of power, still lures men and women to the degradation of their character and the forsaking of integrity.)

So, I am aware that there are very real problems like those that I noted above and many others.  But, you know what?  I still wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.  In spite of our imperfections, the United States still offer tremendous freedom and opportunity.  They still offer the hope of a happy, meaningful, productive life; the kind of life in which a person can flourish.

Our country has provided liberty to millions.  It has created more prosperity for more people than any other nation in history.  The U.S.A.—in spite of its flaws—truly is an extraordinary place.

I thank God that—with no credit to myself—I happen to live at such an amazing time and place in history.  I’m thankful to those who risked their lives to establish this outstanding experiment in democracy.  I’m thankful to those who have fought and died—and continue to do so—to establish and protect our freedoms.

Some people may think it’s wrong or arrogant or theologically incorrect to say “God bless America”.  It seems to me that—for reasons known to Himself—frankly, God has already blessed America.  He has blessed America in many ways.  My hope and my prayer is that He will continue to bless us.

So, I hope you have a safe and happy 4^th of July.  Be careful.  Wear sunscreen.  Don’t get too much bug spray on your cheeseburger.  Honor Christ in your words and deeds.

With humility, gratitude, and a bit of patriotic pride, I say:  God bless America!