We Are Community 314
Happy Birthday America! 250 years is a good run but I certainly hope for more. Thus far I have managed two days of celebration. I love Nauvoo. Their celebration was on July 3rd. There was a band concert and bag pipes on the lawn in front of the temple followed by fire works over the river. I discovered that there is a new parking lot just north of the new visitors’ center so there was ample parking. Brought a plastic chair and settled in for the event. Though warm the weather was beautiful and God provided a lovely sunset to enhance the event. It was interesting to see all the missionaries in the long dresses and old-time clothes. Thank you, Nauvoo.
Saturday began fairly early. Our group found a shady spot to decorate the float. Bags of candy were sorted into buckets and flags and bracelets were readied to be handed out. Signs put in place and we were ready to travel the parade route with many others. I bought mini tootsie rolls and was sad to see many of their little bodies smashed and still on the street after the parade. After the parade several of us had lunch together and then I watched part of the entertainment on the courthouse lawn. Carthage has a really nice 4th celebration every year.
Macomb has absolutely wonderful fireworks each year so left my chair in the car and headed for Macomb in the evening. The celebration had been moved from Q lot across the street to the grassy field. The band shell held the band which offered patriotic music for the evening. There were food trucks and lots of presence to help one park and cross the street safely. Lovely fireworks and one could also see fireworks in the distance from other towns. Again, God offered a beautiful sunset to enhance the experience.
I have had the opportunity to tour the White House and to dip my feet into the reflecting pool in our nation’s capital. Someone needs to remind our president that he is just a temporary resident of the nation’s house and that he does not have the right to tear it down and remake it to his taste. I understand the columns are the next to go. Sincerely hope that the reflecting pool and all the other damage to our nation’s capital can be repaired so that future generations can also enjoy them.
Hope you had time to celebrate the 4th and to just relax for a bit. At one point there were three of us widows sitting on bench on the courthouse lawn. Men, please take better care of yourselves as being a widow is just not fun. Most of us are meant to be in a warm caring relationship where we can support and be supported.
Again, this week, I am going to share some words from the Faith and Grace Parish bulletin because I think they sum up so much of what life should be.
“Welcome to the joyful-may you be able to share that joy here.
Welcome to the tired and weary-may you find rest here.
Welcome to the lonely-may you find community here.
Welcome to the sick-may you find healing here.
Welcome to those who mourn-may you find comfort here.
Welcome to the foreigner, to the stranger, to the refugee-may you find safety here.
Welcome to every nation-may you find hospitality here.
May God continue to bless America and may we as individuals do our very best to be a blessing to others.