July 4th is always a special day in America. But this year feels different.
As our nation begins celebrating its 250th anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to pause, look around, and remember what an incredible blessing it is to be Americans.
Sometimes we forget.
We get caught up in the politics, the problems, the noise, the arguments, the headlines, and the daily frustrations. We complain — sometimes for good reason — about government, taxes, inflation, traffic, crime, and all the things that make us shake our heads and wonder what in the world is going on.
But then something happens that helps us see America through fresh eyes.
The FIFA World Cup has brought people from all over the world to our country. They are coming here with excitement, joy, flags, jerseys, songs, traditions, and love for their home countries. And yet, as they arrive in America, they remind us of something we should never take for granted.
People still want to come here.
They want to see America. They want to experience our cities, our freedom, our energy, our people, our opportunities, and yes — our big, loud, messy, beautiful way of life.
Their joy should make us reflect on our own gratitude.
While visitors from around the world celebrate being here, maybe we should stop and remember how blessed we are to live here. We do not have to fly across an ocean to experience America. We wake up in it every morning.
That does not mean America is perfect. It never has been. But it does mean America is still special. It is still a beacon. It is still a place where people dream, build, worship, speak freely, start over, create businesses, raise families, cheer for their teams, wave their flags, and believe tomorrow can be better than today.
America250 is encouraging citizens across the country to celebrate this historic anniversary by honoring service, sharing stories, and finding meaningful ways to mark this once-in-a-generation milestone.
You can find ideas and resources from America250 here: https://mailchi.mp/america250/honor-service-share-a-story-14198390?e=766c496eb6
People from around the world can come here, celebrate their homeland, enjoy our hospitality, and remind us that freedom is not just an American idea — it is a human longing.
As America turns 250, let’s not spend the moment only focused on what is wrong. There will be plenty of time for that. At Eye on Jacksonville, we certainly know how to point out the problems.
But this July 4th, maybe we should also do something else.
Let’s look around.
Let’s watch the visitors who are thrilled to be here. Let’s notice their joy. Let’s remember the sacrifices that made this country possible. Let’s thank God for the privilege of being Americans.
And then let’s celebrate like we mean it.
Happy 250th, America.
May we be worthy of the gift we have been given.
