On this July Fourth, the 232nd birthday of our country, do we pause to think about what we really celebrate?
Usually, July 4 becomes a day to party. We grill too many burgers or steaks (unless you’re a vegetarian), or drink too much beer (if you’re a drinker), or eat too much watermelon and ice cream (that would be me). Then we look for a good place to watch the excitement in the sky.
I love the fireworks, even though they are a remembrance of a war. Our National Anthem glorifies the bombs that burst in the air and the rockets’ giving off a red glare. At least it was a war that won freedom for our country.
Our view of war is that of Major Battles, usually taking place "out there" somewhere. Sometimes we have those "in here" as well. You know what they are for you! It’s the Little Battles that consume most of our time and energy.
War makes victims of us all, whether they be big or little. The "battles" in our life are not an honorable pursuit and we fail to understand Shalom.
How we handle differences, diversity and conflicts (the Little Battles) has everything to do with our attitudes about war. We can say we are for peace, but not live in it! When my daily actions are made up of anger, my larger attitude will embrace war. When I constantly view my life in terms of winning or losing, as a victor or a victim, I will always have war.
On this Fourth of July, as we all eat our All-American hot dogs, potato salad and home-made ice cream, may we laugh with our neighbors, make new friends, and take life a little less seriously. And as we all watch the fireworks, perhaps we can think of each display as Stars of Peace.
Usually, July 4 becomes a day to party. We grill too many burgers or steaks (unless you’re a vegetarian), or drink too much beer (if you’re a drinker), or eat too much watermelon and ice cream (that would be me). Then we look for a good place to watch the excitement in the sky.
I love the fireworks, even though they are a remembrance of a war. Our National Anthem glorifies the bombs that burst in the air and the rockets’ giving off a red glare. At least it was a war that won freedom for our country.
Our view of war is that of Major Battles, usually taking place "out there" somewhere. Sometimes we have those "in here" as well. You know what they are for you! It’s the Little Battles that consume most of our time and energy.
War makes victims of us all, whether they be big or little. The "battles" in our life are not an honorable pursuit and we fail to understand Shalom.
How we handle differences, diversity and conflicts (the Little Battles) has everything to do with our attitudes about war. We can say we are for peace, but not live in it! When my daily actions are made up of anger, my larger attitude will embrace war. When I constantly view my life in terms of winning or losing, as a victor or a victim, I will always have war.
On this Fourth of July, as we all eat our All-American hot dogs, potato salad and home-made ice cream, may we laugh with our neighbors, make new friends, and take life a little less seriously. And as we all watch the fireworks, perhaps we can think of each display as Stars of Peace.
What little battles do you and I overcome?
Would sacrificing our little battles enable us to gain the Freedom we celebrate on this day?
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