Okay, enough already. Enough negative stuff. Enough bad news. There is too much good and too much great about America to be distracted by that which divides us. As we celebrate the fourth of July, let’s try to focus on the glass-half-full aspects of the U.S.A.
There’s the whole freedom thing. There’s apple pie. Ice cream, especially chocolate mint and cookie dough. National Parks. Grilling out. Great sports and great sports talents. The NBA. The NFL. Comebacks and second chances. The Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. Air conditioning (thank you, Willis Carrier). Amazing movies like "The Princess Bride," "Star Wars," the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy plus the Hobbit films and "Guardians of the Galaxy." Crazy fads like pet rocks, silly bandz and Snuggies. Motown. 80’s hair and music. Greek yogurt with granola. Ordering pizza. The ukulele — it’s such a happy instrument. BBQ and chips. Elvis. Innovators and inventors. Citizenship. Amazing cities and destinations. Mountains and prairies, oceans and valleys. Beaches. Back scratches. 24-hour banking. Donuts — oh my gosh, the chocolate covered crème filled at Krispy Kreme. Abundant foods at grocery stores. All-you-can-eat buffets. Space exploration. Steaks and bacon. Farmers. Longer life expectancy. The Declaration of Independence. The Constitution and its amendments. The right to vote. "God Bless America" sung in the seventh inning stretch. Convenience stores. Microwaves. Great medical care. Great colleges like Emory & Henry. Slam dunks and pick n' rolls. Google. Our National Anthem. The flag still being there. The Greatest Generation. The Statue of Liberty. The Super Bowl. M&M’s and Skittles, Starbursts and Whoppers. The Internet. Social media. Instant connection. Family. S'mores. Hiking, biking and running. Slip n' slides. Coke. Pepsi. Sweet tea. Flip flops, blue jeans. Veterans. Roller coasters. Water parks. Laughing 'til you cry with friends. Crying with friends who love you. Making that winning shot. Being an underdog with the upset. Chewing gum. Electricity. Uber options. Trains, planes and automobiles. Religious freedom. Bagel and a smear. Netflix. Spring Break. Picnics. Lakes. Rebounding from failure. There’s the diversity and generosity of people. Hard work and opportunity. Life. Liberty. The Pursuit of Happiness. And did I say the ukulele? I love that instrument.
This is just to name a few! To live in a nation where all of these things (and more) thrive is incredible and such a blessing that we often overlook!
God bless America! Have a happy fourth!
