The USA turns 250 this week! THIS IS SUCH A BIG DEAL! IT’S AN AMAZING EVENT! Why, then, do I find myself not so festive, not particularly “charged up” for the big anniversary. Why don’t I find #250 any more amazing than, say, #246 or the 200th birthday of our nation back in 1976?
I think it has to do with one’s perspective as much as it has to do with actual events and trends in our country. Travel down memory lane with me…
In 1976, on the occasion of America’s 200th birthday, I was 11 years old. Today, on the occasion of the USA’s 250th, well, you can do the math.
On my mind as an 11-year-old: getting together with friends, riding my bicycle all over the Fox Valley area (Appleton, WI), getting as much out of summer as possible before school began again.
Was the 11-year-old me worried about the aftereffects of Vietnam, Watergate, Ford’s pardon of Nixon, the upcoming Presidential election between Ford and Carter? Nope, not really. My patriotism was uncluttered by politics. I lived in the United States of America, the greatest, most God-blessed nation in the world.
Today’s me (11 years + 50) has been married for 39 years, has been blessed with four adult children and five grandchildren. And I have concerns that are weightier than those that bothered 11-year-old-me.
On my mind today: challenges that my children and grandchildren face in this uncertain world now and in the future, the daily concerns and challenges of pastoral ministry, guarding my health, preparation for eventual retirement.
Is it any wonder that I don’t have as much room in my head/heart for today’s Independence Day celebration (from my perspective, at least) than was available 50 years ago?!
The world has changed so much. Just one example: On the cover of Wheaties boxes in 1976? Bruce Jenner, Olympic gold medal winner in the grueling decathlon event. Today’s Wheaties boxes feature WNBA star A’ja Wilson. The WNBA didn’t even exist 50 years ago. Nor does Bruce Jenner in his original version.
Perspectives change, but so much remains the same. America is a blessed nation, a God-blessed nation. Not because we’re so great and godly, but in spite of our considerable flaws and failings and misplaced pride. Here, too, are some of the things that remain the same: the grace and power and presence of our Lord.
May the God of all grace continue to watch over our nation. May we honor him with lives of faithfulness and with confessions of faith that seek to tell others of his boundless mercy.
God keep you in his gracious care,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
I think it has to do with one’s perspective as much as it has to do with actual events and trends in our country. Travel down memory lane with me…
In 1976, on the occasion of America’s 200th birthday, I was 11 years old. Today, on the occasion of the USA’s 250th, well, you can do the math.
On my mind as an 11-year-old: getting together with friends, riding my bicycle all over the Fox Valley area (Appleton, WI), getting as much out of summer as possible before school began again.
Was the 11-year-old me worried about the aftereffects of Vietnam, Watergate, Ford’s pardon of Nixon, the upcoming Presidential election between Ford and Carter? Nope, not really. My patriotism was uncluttered by politics. I lived in the United States of America, the greatest, most God-blessed nation in the world.
Today’s me (11 years + 50) has been married for 39 years, has been blessed with four adult children and five grandchildren. And I have concerns that are weightier than those that bothered 11-year-old-me.
On my mind today: challenges that my children and grandchildren face in this uncertain world now and in the future, the daily concerns and challenges of pastoral ministry, guarding my health, preparation for eventual retirement.
Is it any wonder that I don’t have as much room in my head/heart for today’s Independence Day celebration (from my perspective, at least) than was available 50 years ago?!
The world has changed so much. Just one example: On the cover of Wheaties boxes in 1976? Bruce Jenner, Olympic gold medal winner in the grueling decathlon event. Today’s Wheaties boxes feature WNBA star A’ja Wilson. The WNBA didn’t even exist 50 years ago. Nor does Bruce Jenner in his original version.
Perspectives change, but so much remains the same. America is a blessed nation, a God-blessed nation. Not because we’re so great and godly, but in spite of our considerable flaws and failings and misplaced pride. Here, too, are some of the things that remain the same: the grace and power and presence of our Lord.
- “Righteousness lifts up a nation, but sin brings shame to a people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
- “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we might live a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1,2)
- “By the mercies of the Lord we are not consumed, for his compassions do not fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22,23)
- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
- “How blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose to be his possession.” (Psalm 33:12)
May the God of all grace continue to watch over our nation. May we honor him with lives of faithfulness and with confessions of faith that seek to tell others of his boundless mercy.
God keep you in his gracious care,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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