Shade Tree Wisdom 7/4/08

*** Independence Day ***

I started the walk this morning singing “You’re a grand old flag, you’re a high flying flag, and forever in peace may you wave.” But there was no one to hear my dulcet tones so I stopped, and just walked.

“Almighty God, who has ordained government for the punishment of evil-doers, and the praise of them who do good, give us government that rules with wisdom and care to better our lives and enrich our stay here in this land.”

The Fourth, the wonderful Fourth. What memories. When we were children it was always picnic time. School children marched up the road to the grounds led by the church brass band, Yes, the church boasted a brass band. Then each child received, I believe, three tickets good for spending for ice cream or candy. There were games and contests, each winner awarded a ticket, I always used my tickets up, My brother saved his and the end of the day he bought candy to save and eat later, and he always had a time finding safe places to keep it away from the rest of us..

Today that Church picnic has turned into a sort of homecoming day. The day begins with a devotion, and the rest of the day is spent visiting, catching up with friends, eating, enjoying a free day, and in general just having a fine, relaxing time.

This morning I thought of this blessed land. We sing
“America, America,
God shed His grace on thee.
And crowned thy good, with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.”

A friend sent me this bit of history. In 1787 when the convention was debating how large and small states could be equally represented, some delegates were so frustrated they simply left. James Madison recorded this for June 28th. Eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin rose and stated: "Groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights?" Franklin continued: "In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers were heard and they were graciously answered... And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?" Franklin concluded: "We have been assured in the Sacred Writings, that 'except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.'... I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed...no better than the Builders of Babel." Shortly thereafter, a compromise was reached and the Constitution of the United States was completed.
God bless America, land that I love.’
Stand beside her, and guide her.,
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam.
God bless America, My home, sweet home.
GPD 7/4/08