July 1, 2009
A UMNS Commentary
By Bishop Woodie White

ATLANTA – This morning, preparing to walk my dog, I was joined by two grandsons, both 7 years old. They noted I had placed two American flags at our front door. I explained to them on the Fourth of July, we celebrate the birthday of our nation. They were excited and wanted to know if there would be a party!

I responded that we would indeed have a lot of parties. I told them about the many parades that will take place across the nation and the special programs in towns and cities, and the big party that will take place in our nation's capital. I told them about the fireworks we would have in our community, so close we would only have to place chairs in front of our house. Immediately, they remembered we did that last year.

All of this is because America will be 233 years old, I explained.

There is so much about our nation we take for granted, or criticize. I hope that on this occasion we can all find time to remember and give thanks for its virtues and strengths, its noble principles and ideals, and its ability to correct itself – peacefully, and without violence. There is so much more for which we can be thankful as we celebrate our nation's beginning and its desired better future.

It is a time as well to thank all those who give and have given of themselves to protect this land and others. Those who even this day are in harm's way, and the thousands who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Wherever you are and in whatever special ministry you are engaged, I pray that you and your family will have a wonderful Fourth of July, and remember how blessed we are to live in this nation, and pray that its future will be even more glorious than its past.

United Methodist News Service
Woodie White is a retired bishop who certifies chaplains for The United Methodist Church. He wrote this reflection for the Endorsing Agency of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.