What makes YOUR America great?
Thinking more about the generosity of a guy like Warren Buffet made me think that it takes a special person to do what he did. You may be envious of someone with that much wealth, but you have to admit his desire to help people is pretty incredible. It should draw us to look at ourselves to some degree and contemplate what we do that benefits others. Newsweek is coming out with an issue this week that lists 14 people who "Make America Great" and then they add quite a few others for the 15th spot. So, what do you do that makes America great? I'm sure (and Newsweek says it) that there are a lot more people doing things in small ways that make America great. Here's my list of people who make America great:
Sandy - my wife who is a fantastic teacher. She teaches more about life than just how to do arithmetic and spelling, although she does a great job there too. She is compassionate for her munchkins and is studying to be a principle so she can better the lives of teachers as well as kids.
Larry - my friend the radical left-wing Christian and political dude who takes on the religious right and the assumptions so many Christians have about being Christian in America. I don't agree with him on everything, but I'm glad he says what he says because it can serve to keep us honest and thinking responsibly about our lives.
Jacob and Daniel - they're just great kids!
Shelly - our youth leader/missions specialist who is also a teacher. She has influenced so many kids here over the last 12 years or so it is hard to imagine what things would be like without her.
Ted & Phyll - super friends if a little on the left side (at least Phyllis is)! What is this with having friends who hate Bush anyway...what is wrong with me? Ted and Phyllis are bringing the meaning of church back to church. Church was never meant to be this stuffy place where we rallied for the Republicans or avoided deeper issues that drive America with spiritual noone talk. Church was meant to be a place where Christians removed the masks and became real with one another - and loved one another deeply. It is way too politicized now. I enjoyed their "church" - they will hate me for calling it that! They have this cool small group that meets and really cares for one another. Oh to have one here!
Farmers - they are generally misunderstood. They work harder than 90% of the population and accomplish more in a day than most of us would even attempt in a week. They take more risks than a gambler in Las Vegas - and they don't even stop to consider it - it is just a fact of life that they have absolutely no control over (like the weather). They are grossly underpaid and unappreciated.
Sandy - not my wife - my secretary - who puts up with me and organizes my life and my day and my office. She does this gladly and at the same time contends with two kids who...well, are kids! Single moms in general need to be applauded - they are a bit like the farmers - underpaid and unappreciated for all they do.
There are many, many more I could mention - but I'm curious about who you would add to this list. For me America would be a lot less wonderful without these people and what they contribute to my life in particular as well as the country as a whole. So, go ahead - make up your list of people who make your life in America great - I give you permission!
Sandy - my wife who is a fantastic teacher. She teaches more about life than just how to do arithmetic and spelling, although she does a great job there too. She is compassionate for her munchkins and is studying to be a principle so she can better the lives of teachers as well as kids.
Larry - my friend the radical left-wing Christian and political dude who takes on the religious right and the assumptions so many Christians have about being Christian in America. I don't agree with him on everything, but I'm glad he says what he says because it can serve to keep us honest and thinking responsibly about our lives.
Jacob and Daniel - they're just great kids!
Shelly - our youth leader/missions specialist who is also a teacher. She has influenced so many kids here over the last 12 years or so it is hard to imagine what things would be like without her.
Ted & Phyll - super friends if a little on the left side (at least Phyllis is)! What is this with having friends who hate Bush anyway...what is wrong with me? Ted and Phyllis are bringing the meaning of church back to church. Church was never meant to be this stuffy place where we rallied for the Republicans or avoided deeper issues that drive America with spiritual noone talk. Church was meant to be a place where Christians removed the masks and became real with one another - and loved one another deeply. It is way too politicized now. I enjoyed their "church" - they will hate me for calling it that! They have this cool small group that meets and really cares for one another. Oh to have one here!
Farmers - they are generally misunderstood. They work harder than 90% of the population and accomplish more in a day than most of us would even attempt in a week. They take more risks than a gambler in Las Vegas - and they don't even stop to consider it - it is just a fact of life that they have absolutely no control over (like the weather). They are grossly underpaid and unappreciated.
Sandy - not my wife - my secretary - who puts up with me and organizes my life and my day and my office. She does this gladly and at the same time contends with two kids who...well, are kids! Single moms in general need to be applauded - they are a bit like the farmers - underpaid and unappreciated for all they do.
There are many, many more I could mention - but I'm curious about who you would add to this list. For me America would be a lot less wonderful without these people and what they contribute to my life in particular as well as the country as a whole. So, go ahead - make up your list of people who make your life in America great - I give you permission!
posted by Greg at 6:02 AM
4 Comments:
That is really cool, Connie. Thanks for sharing that! It reminds us that we do have a pretty awesome country even if we do disagree with some of the stuff going on in it right now. It makes me realize that there are things worth fighting for. Interesting that this persecuted pastor would see the significance of our election process - something we tend to take for granted - or did until recently I guess.
Let's see. My wife, my kids, you and Sandy, Mike (my biking bud), Bob Hudson, Janelle and Kelly, my home group, the folks at seminary and work ... all make my life better.
Greg, Thanks for listing Larry. I went to his sight and read about his daughter. As a father of a disabled child his post was an encouragement to me. Thank God for your comments on my post that led me your way.
I have many people on my list that make America great. But, I would have to say that my wife makes whatever country she is in a beautiful place. I have watched her grow into a woman of God. She has given so much of herself to raise five children (one that is disabled) and to support me in the minsitry (or whatever I do). She is an example of Christ's love, and a woman that is worth far more than rubies.
Thanks for commenting, P. Beard! Wives are a precious gift from God!
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