4th of July post. We started the firework celebration on the 1st This year. I am visiting with guest as we pass the time together on main street. The day has finally cooled down and everyone is relaxed and enjoying a little down time in anticipation of the show. And I find myself thinking “I wonder how many of the guest will appreciate the patriotic theme of tonight’s show? I can tell by their accent or language and their looks that they are not all Americans” As I walked to the north end of Main Street U.S.A. I pause at the Partners statue and looked south towards the train station. I view the sea of guest. And I was humbled. How can I begin to question who here is an American.? My family is not originally from the U.S. Many of the people in this congregation have worked long and hard to make their dream of becoming a citizen a reality. Diversity is what makes America great. I decided that tonight I will not face the castle and watch the fireworks but I, instead, will look south. I look at the faces in the flashes of light. I see the tears in the eyes. I see many standing in quite awe and respect. And I find myself, again, thanking God that I am free. Free to live here, free to work here and free to celebrate here. I resolve to never again judge another by the way the sound or look. I will assume that each person is as loyal and patriotic as I am unless they prove otherwise. Tomorrow night however…..I am watching the fireworks.