Because of what I do, I "get to" travel a lot. Those journeys have taken me, literally, from one corner of the country to the other - and even across a few borders. While I don't think I could be classified a true world traveler, I have plenty of entry stamps in my passport.
So I feel somewhat qualified when I say this: Regardless of what side of the political fence you may be sitting on, and despite a few problems here and there, there is still no country quite as great as the good ol' USA. Don't get me wrong - there are some great places around the world, but when it's all sifted out, the USA comes out on top.
Topping the list of reasons why is one word: Freedom. We're a country of people that have the luxury of being the ultimate decision maker. We choose our leaders, we choose our place of residence, we choose the car we drive, we choose where to go to college (if we make the decision to go), we choose where we eat and so on.
Despite what some people might want to say, we still have the freedom to worship. Even though sometimes we may want to feel that Christianity is being pushed aside, the last time I checked there are still plenty of Christian preachers on TV and radio. You'll find them in magazines and you'll find hundreds - if not thousands - of Web sites that feature Christianity-based themes.
All of us are aware of how we got that freedom and I'd say that most of us appreciate the efforts and sacrifices that were made. Let us never forget those people and their families - and let us never lose sight of what they've done to make this country great.
Most of all, let us never forget that we are blessed beyond measure to be able to live under the American flag. In fact, we've stood in the showers of God's blessings for so long we should be wrinkled.
Many of you will be attending Southern Gospel concerts this week: Singing In The Smokies, Hominy Valley, Shadow Valley, Bonifay and many others. While you're enjoying the music, don't forget that somewhere, someone made that possible.
Yes, gas is high. Groceries are high. Dollars are stretched to thin proportions. There's political uncertainty. But still, when you take a look at the rest of the world... you know, it's not so bad after all.
