Living abroad has made me appreciate so many things about my home country that I took for granted before (and probably will again). So today I thought it would be appropriate to list just a few of the things I'm thankful for with regard to my country. I am thankful for personal freedoms, that I can write what I want, even with regard to this country and its politics, that I can practice religion without fear of persecution. I am thankful for a free market and capitalism, which I truly do believe make everyone better off. I am thankful for convenience stores, which really are so convenient! To sell milk, light bulbs, and picture frames all in one store is a marvel! And I am thankful for diversity. What a blessing it is to be in one country (or state, or town, for that matter!) and be able to meet people of different backgrounds, cultures, races, and ethnicities. It is truly an enrichment of our country and our lives.
So Happy Birthday, America! This is not about politics or patriotism. This is simply realizing of what I should be thankful and an acknowledgment of that. I wish you many more birthdays to come.