I have been spending some time weeding my flower gardens. Petunias are planted around my utility pole in front of my farm home. Marigolds are along the sides of the sidewalk coming toward my kitchen door. They are really getting pretty and in full bloom this time of the year. While they are newly weeded, I can spot a sprig of grass or weed here and there. So do I focus on the beauty of the plantings? Or do I pay attention to the weeds which are at a minimum? I choose the showy flowers. As we celebrate the 4th of July tomorrow and our country's Independence Day, do we look deeply at the flaws and imperfections of our past and its leaders and heroes? As one writer said, "We are a flawed nation because we have always had flawed people in it. Including us!" No, I choose to look at the heroes. In 1939, Irving Berlin wrote 'God Bless America', Think back to that time, It must have appeared there was trouble on every horizon. Might be a good prayer for today and this weekend: "God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her. Through the night with the light from above. From the mountains to the prairies, to the ocean white with foam -- God bless America, my home sweet home!"   *******