America🇺🇸

When I first began working in the child care/preschool realm I started purchasing Scholastic books. I knew they would be beneficial then and would one day rest on the shelves of my own kid's book collections. A couple I purchased were beautifully illustrated lyrics of patriotic hymns.

I have always been proud to be from this great country. I know it's not perfect but show me one that is. I know that part of my ancestry can be traced back to German, English and even Cherokee roots. Possibly more but those I know. But all of those parts are what make me who I am and that is an American. A few years ago I had the privilege to travel to another country not too far away where I truly realized just how blessed we are here in the US and why so many from other places would give anything to live here too.

I think the lyrics to America The Beautiful sum it up well.

O beautiful for pilgrim feet Whose stern impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness America America God mend

thine ev'ry flaw Confirm thy soul in self control Thy liberty in law

O beautiful for heroes proved in

liberating strife Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life America America may God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And ev'ry gain divine

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears America America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea

Pause for a moment and be thankful. Be thankful that although imperfect and flawed, you live where there is great freedom. Be thankful even though you may disagree with others, you have the ability to speak what you believe. Be thankful for the many men and women who have given everything so that you can walk down the street, own a home, buy a car, go to school, start a business, preach the gospel, sit under the stars, watch the sun rise, travel and so much more. How about instead of pointing out every damaged part of our nation, for at least a few minutes, talk to someone about what is beautiful and wonderful.

As Louie Armstrong sang, "What a Wonderful World." To be honest, I had never heard what is I suppose the entire song. As I was thinking of adding the lyrics here, I found this video and hearing Mr. Armstrong's amazing deep voice speak beautiful truth that I think we could all benefit from today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Happy Independence Day, my friends! And Happy Birthday, America!

It is, in fact, a beautiful, wonderful world and I am 100% proud to be an American!