God Bless America

Last year and this year:

Waiting to watch the national fireworks in DC

Actually about a month ago, but isn't she cute?

The past few days, I've been participating in an email conversation with some family members about one of many issues in the United States.  Our nation's problems seem to be a common topic of conversation for many recently, including myself.  I often jump on these conversations quickly or initiate them myself.  Don't worry, I'm not about to say that these issues should be taboo or that I'm about to change my ways on this one.  I feel it's important to be relatively informed and to separate right from wrong.  However, what I would like to say is that, despite all of its problems, America is a place in which I am grateful to live, to be a citizen, to participate, to support a husband who defends it, and to call home.

If I may, I'll just copy and paste the last paragraph of my most recent email contribution to the aforementioned discussion:

"I am grateful we live in a land that allows us to be free in many ways.  Even though many use this freedom in ways that are opposed to the purpose for that freedom, I am grateful it is there.  I am grateful that we are a diverse society and that many people can and have come here to live the true American dream.  Our country's issues are many, but I would choose it over anywhere else in the world.  It is still one nation under God, with many promises from Him for prosperity should we choose to obey Him--I see that literally fulfilled.  On Sunday, we sang "America the Beautiful" in sacrament meeting, and it moved me to tears--one because of gratitude for this great nation, but mostly of mourning for what beauty has been lost through the years and isn't stopping anytime soon.  Today may we recognize our nation for what it is, weaknesses and all, and thank our God for the blessing of living here.  Despite the problems, I feel very blessed today."

I recently found myself studying in the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi chapter 1.  Verses 6-7, in reference to America, say:

 6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

 7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them;...

I feel very blessed and humbled that I am counted among those who live here.  I feel a great debt toward those who made this great nation great.  Even more than that, I also feel a great obligation to try harder to live better and to help others.  Where much is given, much is required; and I have been given quite a lot, as has anyone who calls this country home.  These verses of scripture have caused a lot of personal reflection for me, resulting in a renewed commitment to stand for freedom and to help bring others to Christ.

Today I am going to focus on the good.  I am going to enjoy time with my family.  I am going to pray prayers of gratitude.  I am going to have fun.  And I am, of course, going to eat a good old-fashioned American cheeseburger hot off the backyard grill.

God bless America.