This week, America celebrates the Fourth of July. 

Many will go to cookouts, watch fireworks, and just generally have an outdoor party.  Of course, there are also plenty of sales for those who prefer to shop over the Fourth.

As I contemplate my experience in America, I feel called to do more than party and shop. I feel called to share the greatness of America and her people.

I, too, celebrate America. My celebration is from the standpoint of one who is keenly aware of all that they have been given and how little has been required in return.

I arrived in the U.S. as a small child. 

When my parents brought me to America, there was something wrong with my body. My parents did not know precisely what the problem was, but they knew something was off. After several appointments at a leading hospital, my parents were given an answer. 

I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which interrupts the communication between my body and my brain. As a result, I don’t have full control of my muscles, I speak with a speech impediment, and I use a wheelchair to get around.

There’s a little something that I’ve left out of the story.

When I arrived in the U.S., America and my birth country, Iran, were not exactly BFFs. Nevertheless, I was given so much. Throughout my life, there have been policies in place that let me go to school and accommodate travel. I can go virtually anywhere in the U.S. It’s not perfect, and like everyone, I can list dozens of things I would change, but I am grateful for all that is in place to let me go about living a productive life.

One of the concepts that I often write about and definitely think about is confusing the bad parts with everything being bad. We all tend to do this at some point, but we shouldn’t. 

It bothers me when people who have benefitted from this great country that I call home describe it as something terrible, or that needs to be destroyed and replaced with who knows what. 

America may have its issues. But, you know what? It’s still pretty darn great.

Of course, we have work to do. America is not perfect. Almost nothing is. Everything can be improved upon.

Here is a thought: let’s focus on incremental improvements and help each other live more prosperous lives.

The Fourth is more than eating good food, watching fireworks, or finding a body of water to play in. Take time to set aside your grievances and enjoy this country.