Only in America

I grew up with Sunday School and scribbling on a church program while "listening" to the sermon in an un-air conditioned sanctuary. As an adult, while I'm a bit more spiritual, I often still find my mind wandering as the preacher winds his way to his eventual point. However, several years ago on America's Independence Day, our minister made a lasting impression on me. As he described the blessings God has bestowed on our nation, he spoke one simple sentence in everyday language that has stuck with me since that day. "Only in America," he said, "do we take 15 minutes to decide which of our 15 pairs of shoes we should wear that day." He went on to describe how most of the world is lucky to have shoes at all...and many of those who do certainly only have one pair and don't have the time to hesitate before putting them on to start the day.

Now I'm not a shoe connoisseur. I don't really care much about fashion. But that analogy has made me stop and think more than once since that Sunday morning sermon. Now I notice all the choices that we make day after day and minute after minute. Only in America, do I have to decide which of our 150 channels I should watch on tv. Only in America, do I pick one of 50 kinds of toothpaste at the store. Only in America, do I consider buying topsoil (aka dirt) to add to the garden. Only in America, do I turn the thermostat up or down because I'm a little uncomfortable. Only in America, do I decide what kind of business I want to operate or where I'd like to live or work. 

Americans have got it way too good. We often take our freedoms, our opportunities, and our choices for granted. Independence Day is a perfect time to slow down and appreciate all that we have.  The good Reverend was right...God has blessed America.

Go forth and celebrate...and be thankful.