For many, today will be a very busy day. People are making plans on how to celebrate the Fourth. Travel will be terrible, especially this afternoon. Tomorrow families and friends will join in barbeques, dinners, and figuring out where best to see fireworks.
There’s an old Vietnam vet in my neighborhood who told me every July 4th he goes to the basement and headphones to block out the sound because it brings back terrible memories of that war. Of course, in July 1776, the gunfire was different as the British were fast advancing onto New York and the future looked terrible to the men sitting in Philadelphia trying to forge a document unlike any other.
We will celebrate, of course, but we need to remember the sacrifice so many made for the Nation we now have. Families and communities were divided and polarized then and feared the worst, but out of the crucible of revolution emerged a new Nation, not perfect, for there was the scourge of slavery, but with hope that a better society would emerge. It is for us in our generation to continue to live and work in that hope.
Prayer for the Day
Searching for answers in this time, we come to you, O God,
Burdened by our concerns, we turn to you, Spirit of hope;
Longing for peaceful resolution of our many differences,
We ask that you be our guide, O Holy One.
Grant that we may emerge a new community,
Open and welcoming to all who want peace.
In the name of the One who shows us how to live,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
In truth, the situation was worse than they realized, and no one perceived this as clearly as Washington. Seeing things as they were, and not as he would wish them to be, was one of his salient strengths.
David McCullough, historian from 1776 (1933-2022)
Without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.
Benjamin Franklin, Founder (1706-1790)
Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again so that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
Psalm 85: 4-7