I am reflecting on the blessing of living in a town where in a seven day span several hundred people gather to hear the local symphony and choir celebrate our nation’s birthday, dozens of local businesses and hundreds of residents partner with the Rotary Club to put on an amazing fireworks display, a team made up completely of volunteers put on a three day hot air balloon festival, the high school cross country teams have a 5K to raise money and scores of runners from the area participate, 100 Harley riders join forces to raise a couple thousand dollars for the local domestic violence shelter, and area vintage car enthusiasts fill the downtown in an event to demonstrate our town is someplace special. All of this happening with law enforcement and civilians working side by side.

These things are happening at the same time our country is grieving multiple tragedies. I lift up prayers for my fellow Americans and their communities that are experiencing turmoil and strife. May God’s healing, peace, humility, and power of forgiveness prevail.