This morning, listening to music for the day --- John Philip Sousa, Paul Simon, the Boss, and other artists --- and surrounded by buildings that speak loudly of our American heritage, the struggles that bought our freedom, the adventure of a George Washington pushing out to the West even beyond Mount Vernon, there is genuine emotion. Again, almost childlike, I am eagerly awaiting the orchestra leader to raise his baton to initiate the 1812 Overture and the beginning of the booms that will fill the airs of this capitol city tonight.
At the same time, while doing some spiritual reflection, I read a section of , the well-known beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes . Reflection on these words on this celebration of our nation's birthday, my mind pulls up from the marvelous gift of memory so many different speeches and stories of great American women and men who have lived one, some or all of the injunctions that Jesus is teaching his followers. For us today the challenges seem great in so many ways. So many Americans are hurting; unfortunately young people are dying in a questionable war --once again; almost daily we read or hear stories about children who are continuing to suffer abuse, even almost daily the cruel beatings and death at the hands of deranged minds; elderly are suffering in many aspects of their supposed years of gold; marginalized folks are forced to questions the stripes of Old Glory and the freedom she promises; and obviously many other sad and painful realities in this land of beautiful, spacious skies.
Yet, as our nation's skies will be filled with extraordinary explosive color designs marking freedom and national pride, there are almost countless examples of success and goodness that mark the streets and lives of every city and citizen of this land of ours. Let not the excitement and celebration distance us from the harsh realities around us but let not the harsh realities hinder our reveling in the successes and dreams of our nation --- because we cannot stop now. Change has always been the mark of this nation whenever there has been failure or weakness.
And as every politician will say today and everyday of his/her political life, let our lips resound with the petition that is truly a genuine American prayer: "God, bless America."
