Thoughts from here and there…Building for the Present and the Future
We are what we have worked together to create. We will be what together we help to create.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” (Preamble of The Constitution of The United States of America)
A simple statement, yet one that is very profound. It is inclusive of all that the founders of this country hoped to create. This is what they pledged themselves, their lives and their sacred fortunes to create. For this they fought a superior British army and navy and won.
Success of the American dream was dependent first of all on a vision of a free country with the government in the hands of the citizenry rather than a monarchy. But our founding fathers and mothers realized that vision alone is not enough.
This is why they embarked on an expensive and dangerous mission. It was not enough for the few to band together for the common purpose, they needed the many. People had to be convinced of the purity and beauty of the vision and to entertain the necessity of engaging in the mission. It was to be a long and costly process. It was to be a successful process.
Let us pause and take the time to ponder, to reflect what make America the great nation that it has been and continues to be. At the same time we can apply the same principles to our own communities of Grafton and Port Washington. Then realize that the same principles also relate to the community of the Church.
Our founding mothers and fathers built a country. We also build communities and congregations. It is not automatic. It takes thoughtful participation and sheer hard work. Is it worth it. Well, where else would you like to live or worship. If you can answer this question than you know that your sacrifices are worth it all.