Jury Duty…an act of Patriotism?

Yesterday I had to report for Jury duty - my first time ever. Together with about 60 other people I was escorted into a courtroom where a very stern looking Judge sat. She opened with a few directions and then made some remarks. She acknowledged the sacrifice of time we were making to appease the general sense of grumbling in the room.

She talked about how the Jury process is really a privilege we enjoy in this country. She said it’s a way we can serve our country and that there were many people overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan who would be very happy to trade places with us.

That single comment alone totally changed my attitude. I realized I enjoy the blessings of living in a free country that I completely take for granted. When was the last time I put my country first in my life? To my shame, I can’t think of a single time.

I’m reminded of about two years ago when I had the great honor of watching the Marines from the 3-5 return home from Iraq. I was there with Heidi and a brand new baby Abigail.

We watched bus after bus arrive full of Marines. The emotion in the air was incredible. Friends and Family of the soldiers were all there waving American Flags. We were there with our best friend Tisha as she anxiously waited for her husband Ryan who had been gone for over 8 months. His bus finally arrived and we got to see Tisha throw her arms around Ryan’s neck. I can’t even put it into words…

Political views aside - there are some amazing men and women who are serving our country voluntarily. With great sacrifice they leave their loved ones and put their country first.

I’m very grateful for the country I live in. I’m grateful for the few who stood against oppression over two centuries ago and went on to form a free country. I’m grateful for those who have died to protect that freedom ever since. And I am still very, very grateful for those who serve our nation today.

As I think back to the time when I saw my friend Ryan return home, I can’t help but feel grateful for not only his service, but the service of all those who’ve helped make this country what it is.

As we near this Fourth of July, perhaps we can all take a moment to reflect on the simple freedoms that we enjoy and thank God for the blessing we have of living in a “Choice Land”.

-Sean

PS - My Jury experience was cool but short lived. I got cut from the varsity team by the late afternoon.

PSS - Watch this short video…