Inauguration

We watched the inauguration of Barack Obama today. I had to "force" my 16 year old son. His comment was, "Why do we want to watch that?!" I have to admit it was difficult...my beliefs are just about the polar opposite of our new president's. But, I needed to feel patriotism. I did not want to go back to the days when I was ashamed of America--those days when Bill Clinton's "loose morals", lying, philandering and worse made a mockery of the office of president. I was embarrassed by his actions and the attitude of (some of) the American people that "whatever he does in his private life is not our business." It was only after George W. Bush took office that I could appreciate the privilege and honor of being an American again...a feeling that was heightened following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. So, I did not want to step back into that unpatriotic "place"; nor did I want to drag my children there.
So, we watched. We talked about what a wonderful country we live in that we can choose our own leaders and even when "our guy" doesn't win, we can still (and should!) be involved in our government by writing letters, making phone calls and praying. We discussed the fact that we now have a bigger job before us. We must pray harder than ever before for our new president and for the protection of the unborn.
So we were able to be proud of our democratic system of government, the peaceful transition of power, the grace and class the Bush's displayed, the beautiful city with its historic monuments, and that America chose to move above and beyond the "race" factor by electing the first (part) African American man President of the United States. In fact, there was a lot to be proud of...and still plenty to be concerned about, in my opinion.
Thanks to my dear husband's inquisitiveness and enthusiasm, we will be visiting our Nation's Capital next week...an impromptu vacation! His business slows down a bit in the winter, affording him the time to do a little "surfing". Last year, he decided it would be cost effective for us to purchase a Keurig gourmet coffee maker. Ok, it was a little random on his part, but it does make great coffee! (He is so NOT impulsive normally--I think he gets cabin fever!) This year, he's decided it's a visit to Washington, D.C.

I am hoping our visit will impress upon our children how blessed we are to be citizens of such a great country and that in turn, they will understand the real responsibility we have to stand up for what is right and get involved...and also the necessity to get on our knees and pray.