‘Merica

I love being an American.  A sense of patriotism was instilled in me as a little child.  I remember five year old Teresa standing by her desk at Stockbridge Elementary School. My first grade teacher was trying her best to teach me how to put my right hand over my heart which I was learning was on my left side – confession – I’m still directionally challenged.  Every morning she would recite the pledge of allegiance with us until we eventually could say it without her.  We started each day reciting the pledge to the flag and the 23rd Psalm.  I wasn’t sure I knew everything it meant to be an American, but I did know that being an American was the best.

I still believe being an American is the best.  I’ve been fortunate to be able to travel outside of my country.  One of my favorite things to do when I go back to the hotel room at night is to listen to their news.  It amazes me that on their news they are talking about us.  I’ve heard people in Ireland try to sing “Ring of Fire” like Johnny Cash and people from Germany try to sing “Rock Around the Clock Tonight” like Chuck Berry and a French girl try to sing “Georgia” like Willie Nelson.  Why do they sing our songs and tell our stories on their news?  Why do people from all over the world want to be on America’s Got Talent?  Is it because we are seen as being successful – and if we are successful what does that really mean?  Does it mean if we are successful we are blissfully happy?

I think it’s a fair statement to say Americans decide your success by the thickness of your wallet.   That’s why generally speaking Americans are hard workers.  We are taught the American dream is if you work hard you can make a lot of money and therefore really make something of yourself.  But wait – Kate Spade really did commit suicide June 5, 2018.  She had just sold her purse company to Coach on May 8, 2017, for $2.4 billion.  Scarcely a month had past when she couldn’t think of taking another breath or living another minute.  Even with all the money life wasn’t worth living.   Anthony Bourdain committed suicide June 8, 2018.  He was found in his hotel room in Kayserburg, France.  He was to have celebrated his 62nd birthday in 17 days.  He died a millionaire.  He traveled all over the world and had all kinds of authentic experiences. He had a television show and authored books.  He spent 250 days a year on the road.  I use to love when he said “Don’t be a tourist – Be a traveler.” Anthony Bourdain couldn’t stand the thought of traveling one more day.  He just wanted to end it all.  Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley went to desperate measures to buy a good night’s sleep.  Here’s the conclusion – success can’t be about money.  Money doesn’t really make you content, at peace and joyful.

Here’s an idea I love.  It comes from the Bible.  Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Long ago, before my feet ever hit this Earth, the one who made me, knows me best, and loves me most designed a unique plan for me.  He said He had good work and that it was prepared just for me to do.  So every morning as God allows me another day the plan for the day is sent down for me to accomplish.  Could it be if I do that good work that was designed for me it would mean I am successful?  Could it be that is how we arrive at contentment, peace and joy?  Could it be that the size of my bank account has nothing to do with all this?

I’m so grateful I was born an American.  I’m most grateful for the good work.