Tuesday, July 03, 2012

interdependence


Flags: USA & Bolingbrook
Memories of Independence Days from years gone by had been filled with idealism and great pride.  These days, pundits abound, deriding and demonizing all the highest officials.  It is somewhat disconcerting that people constantly look for ghosts in the closet of yesterday's heroes.  Have I become jaded?  It occurs to me that I don't wave our flag with the same enthusiasm and bliss that I used to.

While opinions collide over politics, parties and policies, this country is still my home.  Sure, television jokesters point at the foibles of the latest bigshot who stumbled, but I choose to look out the window of my library at the flag of these United States of America.  And right underneath it, we fly the flag of our town, Bolingbrook.  On Independence Day, I choose to take a break from hearing the harsh critiques and instead enjoy telling a panegyric about good times, great people, and... my home.

Americana, in my mind, is a beautifully woven interdependence of people from many cultures and backgrounds.  It is not necessarily a blend, where the former identity is entirely lost, but a rich celebration of being able to come together while retaining important components of our various roots and heritage.

Wherever you are, I hope you love your home as much as I do.
Old Western display from Longhorn Steakhouse in Bolingbrook


5 comments:

Pastor Dave said...

yes, America is in a sad state right now. I often revisit the book The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw and the true story of an America where everyone helped each other out and rebuilt our country together during and after the Depression. i dare to dream that it can happen again.

Jackie said...

I love our country...and am so glad to be able to join in the celebration of our independence.
May we always be dependent on our Lord and remember to lift each other up in love.
I hope that the 4th of July is a lovely day for you and your family, Craver. Hugs from our family to yours.
J.

Craver Vii said...

I haven't read that book, Mr. Dave. But I am a big fan of the general ethics of pre-Baby Boomer generations. Earn what you have. Live within your means. Take responsibility to care for your family-- even extended family. We would be doing a lot better nowadays of we lived by those guidelines.

Jackie, you have a good grasp of the distinctions between dependence, independence, and interdependence, and where to apply each one. Dependence on our Lord helps us to rightly order the others. I hope you got to enjoy more of your lovely grandchildren on the 4th.

Antonina said...

Wonderful moon!

Betty Manousos said...

great post on independence day, hope you've had a great one!