Drivers.....Start Your Engines!

This past weekend....after a very long and rainy day working at the library, Matthew and I decided to treat ourselves and actually go on a date for the first time in many, many, MANY months. We hadn't been to the Mansfield Raceway for over two years and right up the road, about 40 miles is a racetrack called Eldora Speedway. We had never been to this track and they were having a Family Fun Night for only $8 admission. We jumped on that price since it usually cost about $20 bones a person for admission. Since the rain had cleared and the sun was trying to peak through the clouds, casting silver linings everywhere, we took Mo for his walk, kissed him farewell, and jumped in the car ready to see some races. Something about the sounds of many car engines reving and getting into gear creates adrenaline rushes thoughout the veins of Matthew and I.

There is something about racing. Now granted, I don't agree with the whole idea of racing. In many ways it seems very hillbillyish to me and when you really think about it, it's a bunch of macho guys going around in a circle.....over and over again. Plus environmentally it's not the smartest idea as it wastes a ton of fuel. But the excitement of a pack of cars, reving their engines, tires spinning, and bumpers bumping creates excitement. Before the official race began with the stock cars the announcer came over the speaker. They offered up a time of prayer. They prayed for our armed forces, for our country and president. They actually said Dear Jesus. This prayer was far from a generic prayer to sooth the mind of drivers and racefans. This announcer meant what he was praying....... Once the prayer was over the announcer asked for everyone to stand as they sang the National Anthem. Before the first line of the song was spoken...the announcer added .....

"And to the greatest country in the world"

..... I almost wanted to sit down. After those words were spoken I felt quite naseaus. Since when did we become the GREATEST country in the world? Since when are we better than any other country? Since when are we, as citizens of the United States better than other citizens? People make up countries....countries aren't countries without people? I'm an American. I love my country. But in no way do I feel that I am better than individuals that live in China, or Holland, or Spain. Do I feel that I have more opportunities because I am an American. oh yeah....but it doesn't make me a better person. When did America because so simple minded....prideful...boastful in their country?

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

Dear Jesus...may I see the needs of the world through your eyes....may you convict my heart to break over the things that break your heart...may I cry over the things that make you cry....may I smile at the small things that make you smile and may I take notice of the way you are moving....