It's a little different kind of Fourth of July this year.
No need to go into detail.
All is not exactly beautiful in all the ways we wish, even though in this place, here along this dirt road, on this day, America is truly beautiful any direction I look.
Indeed, Mother Nature granted us a perfect day to celebrate what this nation means to us as individuals.
Many talk of liberty.
Many have different interpretations of its meaning.
Many speak of patriotism.
Yet, the word has taken on a variety of definitions and responsibilities in the past few years.
The beauty of America does exist in so many facets, not only in its lands but also in its diversity of people who work hard, give of their talents and of their hearts, who inspire with their examples or through their compassion toward others.
It is a beautiful land filled with beautiful people of all races, ethnicities, persuasions, philosophies, etc.
Thankfully, it is a land still filled with hope.
We've gone through better times in this country we all love.
As we celebrate this annual milestone in our country's history, may we cling to tried and true American principles and may we see better times ahead.
May we also celebrate what's truly important about this country in our individual ways and with respect for others whose ways may differ from ours.
Let's all have a good and safe time today as we appreciate the bounties of our lives and especially those who enrich our lives all the more.
For some reason, I thought of the "Prayer of St. Francis" today.
Don't ask me why. Many times I have no idea why things pop into my mind. It may be a divine intervention with this prayer.
I find this prayer especially inspirational for these times just as I did so many times during Saturday-night folk Masses at St. Joseph's as the Wooden family singers, et. al. would provide the music, the leading voices as the rest of us would sing along.
Same is true at my wedding 46 years ago at St. Joseph's, again with Wooden family singers.
To me on that day, the words and the song offered a perfect message for moving forward with a new aspect of life on that day, just as they do today.
Unfortunately, my dear friends, the Woodens, never appeared in a YouTube video, so this morning I'll let the British virtuoso Susan Boyle do the honors.
Happy Birthday, America, and the best to all proud and patriotic Americans who believe in and exercise their liberties responsibly.
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Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And it's in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it's in dying that we are born to Eternal Life
Amen
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