A blessed nation

When I attended High School we studied about the Roman Empire. It was the ruling authority on most all the earth at one time. We have heard the term “When in Rome do as the Romans do”. The other day as I was parking the car after having driven through the drive through at a local fast food place. I thought to myself ‘the Romans didn’t have it this good’. Since that time I have pondered on the many advantages that we have especially here in America that the Romans in all of their splendor and greatness did not enjoy. I’m sure that they enjoyed many pleasures and had the ‘fat’ of the land. But they certainly did not have all the advantages that we enjoy today. Even the poor are able to enjoy a good portion of ease and providence. Can you imagine traveling by carriage over dusty and broken roads? Think of the wonderful roads and freeways that we enjoy. Think of our automobiles, with all their comforts (radio, cd/video players, air conditioning, heated seats, etc) We can travel in 30 minutes what would have taken them at least a day. Home heating must have been a chore as well as laundry and providing meals. We have access to electricity and gas as well as supermarkets that provide a convenience and array of options that you cannot even imagine. If one got sick in Roman times one of the remedies was blood letting. We certainly have come a long way from those days. We have health care for every malady both real and imagined. Food and nourishment for every type of situation and allergy. We enjoy immunizations that protect us from disease and plague. We don’t have to think too hard to realize that we have many bounteous blessings and opportunities. I don’t assume that too many of us would want to return and live in those conditions and times. Somewhere it is written that ‘where much is given, much is expected’. We certainly are a giving nation. The nations of the earth have been significantly blessed by the generosity of our nation, and our kind people. Yes, most of us enjoy a life richer and far better than our predecessors, which cause our hearts to rejoice and be humble. And yet there are some of those about us who are less fortunate. May we be looking after their welfare and helping where we can to ease their burdens and provide the nurture that they so need. For it is written “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these…………”