Happy Birthday America !

I was blessed to be here for your 200th birthday, and God willing, I’ll be here to celebrate your 250th.

Freedom —

(noun) The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants, without undue restraint or control.

Freedom isn’t chaos. It’s having rights—and the deep responsibility to use them wisely.

I started to write more—about where we've been, what we've learned, and what we still strive for. But the truth is, we all carry some part of that history in us already. So instead, I want to share something more personal.

When I graduated high school, my sister gave me a copy of this poem. It has stayed with me ever since. In times of change, uncertainty, or celebration, I come back to its words. I hope it speaks to you, too.

Desiderata

by Max Ehrmann (1927)

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.