I would love to post a whole series of idyllic pictures of my kids enjoying the 4th July weekend: grilling kabobs, playing in the sprinkler, hiking together, going out for donuts, and more.
But it wouldn’t have shown the full picture: the timeouts and tears, the endless bickering, the hour + meltdown before bed…
Who wants to hear about that, right? It seems a much better idea to just celebrate the good parts, the palatable parts, the bits I can be proud of.
And I wonder, when it comes to our country, if we do the same thing…
In my experience, Americans are pretty much the most patriotic people I know—and for good reason! I became a US citizen last year and am beyond thankful for the freedoms, the opportunities, and the privileges that my family and I enjoy daily. It’s a gift I do not take for granted. And this weekend, it is proper and right for us to celebrate this nation and all that she stands for.
But I think we would be remiss if we didn’t also acknowledge the parts that we generally want to sweep under the carpet—to recognize the deep divides that create hostility and hurt, tearing communities apart and stoking mistrust and fear amongst Americans who are all made in God’s image and equal in His sight.
We have a tendency to bask in the light of who we are as a nation—and avoid bringing the dark parts into the light, under scrutiny. But this self awareness is necessary for our growth in the same way that trials and tears are necessary for our maturity—they are a crucial part of what shapes us. They help us move forward in love.
So this weekend, let’s shine a light on the uncomfortable places as well as the beautiful ones. To see our freedoms AND failings; to be appreciative AND aware, to be patriotic AND prepared to recognize there is much work still to do.
“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows” (Galatians 5:13, MSG).