By the Dawn's Early Light...

We spent last weekend in Utah doing lots of fun and important things...attended a wedding...spent time with our children and their spouses...ate at The Pizza Factory in Provo and the Brand X hamburger joint in Springville...got my ring cleaned and inspected at the jewelry store where it was purchased...and spent lots (but not nearly enough) time in The Corn Wagon Quilt Shop. We left Salt Lake City early Sunday morning to be back in Rexburg for church and as we were driving down Interstate 15 through SLC, everywhere we looked we saw American flags flying at not quite half mast. We assumed they were flying in that manner in honor of the students who were killed at Virginia Tech. At least that is what we assumed...maybe someone really important to the State of Utah had died and we weren't aware of it...but I would like to think that our first impression was correct. I know this is somewhat old news, but I have been thinking about that tragedy and those flags all week.

I was and still am heartsick for those students who lost their lives and any possible earthly opportunity to pursue or enjoy the future. I am heartsick for their families and friends who were robbed of the love and laughter they shared with those who died. I am also heart sick for the family of the young man who inflicted this pain on all those people. Not one of them pulled the trigger... but because their son/brother/cousin/nephew did...they must feel terribly responsible.

It's a crying shame that it happened at all. BUT IT DID. And no amount of analytical debate on CNN...or NBC...or ABC...or PBS... or well...you get the idea...will change the outcome of those couple of hours...ever. So what does this all have to do with the flags flying in SLC on a beautiful Sunday morning? Well, those flags and the tragedy at Virginia Tech helped me to remember a few things that I have forgotten or at least...have taken for granted.

• I am grateful that I am a citizen of the United States of America that I am privileged to live in the greatest country in the world.
• I recognize that there are millions of people in the world who live under the oppression of dictators and terrorists (or poverty) and that I am one of the lucky few who live where freedom is a right. I can speak my mind...go to the church of my choice...join a club...or buy a gun and no other human being can stop me...except by force.
• I recognize that not everyone in this country loves their fellowmen, but I also recognize that we have a justice system that...for the most part...works. Not an eye for an eye as some countries practice...or no punishment at all...depending on your social class or polictical affiliations...but punishment that suits the crime.
• I am grateful that when a tragedy happens in this country...people of every color and creed pull together...like the good people of SLC and all over the country who would fly flags in honor of those 31 people at VT who lost their lives...and mourn for their families.
• I am grateful for those who serve in the Armed Forces, the police forces, etc...where ever they may be...protecting my family...especially my grandchildren...from evil...and coming to the aid of those who don't have a voice.
• I recognize that we may have a few "bad apples" in the American barrel...but I believe that the great majority of Americans are decent human beings and I am grateful to know I am surrounded by these good people everyday.

I love the American flag. It is a beautiful symbol of this country and the many blessings I enjoy and take for granted every day. Even though horrible things can and do happen in this country...we are so lucky/blessed/priviledged...to live in the "land of the free and the home of the brave."