Today’s newspaper reports that 77 people became citizens of the United States yesterday at Monticello. These new Americans emigrated from 44 different nations. All come with the hopes and dreams of a better life in the greatest nation on earth. I think some of us who were born here and who often take our freedoms for granted could learn much from our newest Americans. If we could see our country through their eyes it might truly be an “eye-opening” experience for us.
For instance, consider the young woman from Russia who was startled when she walked out of the airport and noticed how bright it was outside. She asked her American host, what kind of wonderful place is this that it is so well-lit at night? It turns out it was a parking lot. In Russia, they don’t waste electricity to light nearly empty parking lots.
Or I love the story of Huong Ngo from Vietnam who called her friend to tell him the good news that she had just purchased life insurance. She was so excited, she said, “even if I die, my parents will have something. I’m worth $10,000!”
The article I read went on to talk about things like straws wrapped in paper, vending machines, grocery stores stocked with food and restaurant take-out boxes. My son-in-law from Armenia was impressed on his first visit to the U.S. with self-serve, free refills on drinks at McDonalds and all-you-can-eat buffets. To him these were simply amazing. After my recent visit to El Salvador I will never take for granted again the wonders of on demand, abundant hot water for showers.
Hopefully over this past weekend you took a few moments to be thankful for our country. Yet, we need to realize the sacrifices those who have gone before us have made to secure our freedom and make possible these blessings. Also we must never forget the source of all of this is not our ingenuity and hard work, but the benevolent grace of God. As the Psalmist says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (Psalm 33: 12) I particularly like the Psalmist’s admonition in verses 20-22 of that same chapter. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
For instance, consider the young woman from Russia who was startled when she walked out of the airport and noticed how bright it was outside. She asked her American host, what kind of wonderful place is this that it is so well-lit at night? It turns out it was a parking lot. In Russia, they don’t waste electricity to light nearly empty parking lots.
Or I love the story of Huong Ngo from Vietnam who called her friend to tell him the good news that she had just purchased life insurance. She was so excited, she said, “even if I die, my parents will have something. I’m worth $10,000!”
The article I read went on to talk about things like straws wrapped in paper, vending machines, grocery stores stocked with food and restaurant take-out boxes. My son-in-law from Armenia was impressed on his first visit to the U.S. with self-serve, free refills on drinks at McDonalds and all-you-can-eat buffets. To him these were simply amazing. After my recent visit to El Salvador I will never take for granted again the wonders of on demand, abundant hot water for showers.
Hopefully over this past weekend you took a few moments to be thankful for our country. Yet, we need to realize the sacrifices those who have gone before us have made to secure our freedom and make possible these blessings. Also we must never forget the source of all of this is not our ingenuity and hard work, but the benevolent grace of God. As the Psalmist says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (Psalm 33: 12) I particularly like the Psalmist’s admonition in verses 20-22 of that same chapter. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
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