Happy Independence Day!
I wonder how thankful we actually are to live in the U.S. To generalize, we complain and criticize by default. President Bush and the government can do no right. Change, change, change. All you need is change (funny, the Beatles said it was love in 1967, not to imply that the 1960s did not know change).
Of course we should challenge our leaders and society; we should not sit idly while wrong actions take place. But do we take a breath during our rants to pause and give thanks?
These thoughts are nothing new. I’m not the first to utter them. Though, lately I’ve been thinking about my own complaints. Some days it seems all I do is complain. I am not proud of my critical nature.
If we live in the land of opportunity, I am quick to settle, fast to conclude that this is as good as it gets and it’s not fair. Frankly, my complaints weary me. It’s time for a change. I don’t want to decide that something is impossible until I’ve tried. Although I fear failure, I want to live a life that faces it full speed.
So we’re embarking on a risky path. No longer can I pretend that I don’t know what I want to do with my life. No longer will I ignore the enormous desire that only God could have placed within me. Perhaps I’ll acquaint myself with failure or become good friends. But if I have the freedom to try, it seems sinful not to.
Did you mean “can’t” do right? You know, from being over here I’ve really learned to appreciate the US and have a tough time wondering why any of us complain so much. We really have it good and, while we can make it better, all of the complaining makes us look incredibly ungrateful.
It’s so wonderful that you’re giving the writing thing a try and that you have such a passion for it! I’m jealous that you’ve found something to pursue like this.
Comment by Laura — 8 July 2008 @ 1:25 pm
Thanks for the comment! I meant “can do no right.” Not to say I agree, rather, I was trying to voice every bumper sticker on the roads.
Comment by kristynwinters — 8 July 2008 @ 5:58 pm