Independence Day
As some of you may know, Jonathan participated in the City of Chandler’s swim team this year. While, at this point, we don’t foresee a long term career out of swimming, his attitude and perseverance have been excellent, and we are very proud!
One unexpected bonus of this city program is the FREE breakfasts! On the first day of I was told that, in partnership with the school lunch program, every child under 18 had access to free breakfast while at swim team or swim lesson, even those who weren’t actually registered! I was thrilled to hear this, knowing that if any of the kids slept in late, I could just pile them in the car and they’d still have food. Even if they had a little snack at home, it was a nice diversion during the 50 minutes while Jonathan was swimming.
But, it also got me thinking-while “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17), I was also aware of the potential problem with this setup. While it really isn’t a Republican/Democrat problem, (though it sort of is…Who paid for my kids breakfast in the month of June? You did.), it is a problem that is running rampant in America today. Is there a name for this problem? The ‘Hands-out’ Problem? The Entitlement problem? The Obamake-everything-better Problem? You get the picture. What would people say tomorrow if there were suddenly no free breakfast? Would we be just as happy to realize a deeper dependence on God? Just as happy for greater responsibility to get the kids up on time, or entertain them during a slow time of day? Will we be thankful for all God has given us in the first place, free breakfast or no? I can be thankful and appreciate breakfast (I DO pay my taxes, after all), but I should never allow myself to rely on it. Is free food increasing our independence, or our dependence, and on who/Who? Where does your Help come from?