Happy Friday to all of you, and happy Independence Day to my mostly American readership. I hope in all the chaos of this often bombastic day, you can find an opportunity to silence your mind and thank the good Lord for his faithful (yet not always obvious) provision.
This particular morning, I find myself staring silently into a patch of black walnut, pecan, and hickory trees and enjoying the chorus of cicadas who have commandeered the canopy. Only this morning, The Bugs™️ have collaborated with at least one bobwhite and a few Carolina wrens. But enough about birds…. I’ve spent much time in this patch recently, using this shaded ground as a brief respite from the duties of caring for a newborn and his two big sisters. But again, I try to always praise God for a healthy wife and three healthy children. My home is full of more love than I will ever deserve.
Yet in these moments of rest, I’ve found myself in deeper, more restless thoughts than usual. Thoughts on now having a son to raise into a respectable man, sure. But also deeper considerations about my service to God and what actions I can take to bless Him and his people in this place He’s rooted me. And what does that service look like when my nation at large champions change (with no consideration to consequences) while my neighbors pray for little more than a break in the rain?
And this brings me to today’s river of contemplations. My thoughts this 4th of July are unfortunately pretty complicated. On the one hand, I’m grateful to live where I do and can acknowledge the wonderful privileges afforded to me for no reason other than that I was born in this country. And I’m thankful for the many people who have sacrificed to make all this possible. On the other hand, I feel more keenly than ever that this country and its tendencies toward global imperialism are want for a type of progress that I would rather be left out of. I’m also grieved by a population that would rather pleasure themselves to death instead of engaging with their neighbors or their Creator. Even the good people here in rural Georgia seem to be succumbing to the brashness and uncouth behavior once considered more typical of those from the higher latitudes. It seems that more and more people just want to consume their Apple(s) instead of looking to extend any olive branches.
So what am I to do? Well, when presidents of any brand just don't cut it, let’s look to the words of St. Paul on how to be people worthy of a King:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior
1 Timothy 2:1-3
So, happy Independence Day? Sure. Celebrate what is good. But also pray for those in positions of authority and do your best to live a little more quietly and a little more peacefully. Don’t lose sight of the true freedom in Christ, whose day will come quickly.
A song I’ve enjoyed recently: