Patriotic Office

I was out mowing my lawn yesterday morning and was struck by the imagery of this picture. I am a Canadian citizen living in America and have recently married an American girl. I am extremely proud of my roots and of being Canadian, but over the last number of years here in America I have come to appreciate the history of America and much of what she represents. The last four and half years have been very formative, gut-check years for America through the tragedy of 9/11 and the ensuing War on Terror, followed up most recently with hurricanes Katrina and Rita, two of the most significant natural disasters to have ever hit this continent. I have watched as somewhat of an outsider as the American people have displayed time and again the resiliency, courage, and perseverance to press on that won them their independance over 200 years ago, and have been challenged time and time again to examine the passion with which I love my country, and more importantly, Jesus Christ.

I had no intention of turning this into a sermon. I thought this was rather an interesting picture, and should give you a good idea of where I work when I'm at home. One thing's for sure: I wouldn't be working on my front porch in flip-flops in mid-October if I was back in Canada!

P.S. Mom, thanks for the Canadian flag that you gave us to put up opposite our American flag. Unfortunately, I must have given you the wrong dimensions, as the flag you sent is twice the size of our American flag. Since it is illegal to fly a bigger flag next to the American flag, we decided not to risk my Green Card application and hung your flag in the garage. I guess it's okay if I SIT in a flag chair larger than the American flag - at least no one's said anything yet...

Comments

[Rebekah]

lol. There sure are some interesting rules about the American flag. I'm sure they arn't always followed. For example the rule that if it touches the floor you're supposed to burn it (that could be rather toxic coming to think of it).
Thanks for making me smile. I'm enjoying reading some of your posts. They are really challenging and encouraging.
God bless.

[Rich Kirkpatrick]

I lived in Texas for three years. The natives there often informed me that the Texas state flag was the only flag in the Union allowed to fly at equal height due to the fact that Texas was a nation that entered the states by treaty. Go figure. UT and A&M fanatical sports fans really have their roots in Texas history.

All this to say that I love the Canadian chair! I would sit in one on my porch--legal or not. Of course, out here in California we really are a different nation of sorts.