‘Merica

Uncle Sam turned 250 on Saturday, prompting days of fireworks, flyovers, and other festivities.

A parade of tall ships (see photo) set sail from New York Harbor, members of Congress visited the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed, former presidents posted messages of reflection, and Joey Chestnut won his 18th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (gulping down 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes).

But the weather didn’t cooperate across much of the country.

More than 20 people died from record-setting heat across the South and Midwest, and severe storms forced a two-hour evacuation of the main event at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Trump’s delayed speech began at 11 p.m. and was followed by the “largest pyrotechnics display in the history of the world” (see photos).

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Two hundred and fifty years is a long time to us, and a short time to God. We can celebrate and give thanks for the many blessings of living in America, while never forgetting that our deepest citizenship and truest hope is in heaven.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:2-4 (CSB) (read full passage)