Happy Birthday, America!

From my back patio, I can see a pretty good fireworks show on the Fourth of July. It's by no means a professional show, but whoever it is setting them off buys the BIG ones. It's rained all day, so it was nice to sit under the shelter of my upstairs neighbor's balcony and still get to see the fireworks display.

I have always been happy that I was born and raised and live in the United States of America. This year, as I watched the fireworks, the thought struck me that I am very grateful, too. I am grateful that the sounds of explosions and rockets whizzing through the air are not accompanied by air raid sirens. I am grateful that they shoot harmlessly into the sky, not into the homes of families in my neighborhood. I am thankful that they are set off in joy and fun and celebration, rather than in malice and hatred and revenge.

I am reminded again that this is a wonderful place to live, and I am grateful to be here.

Long may our land be bright,
With freedom's holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King.