Not Perfect, But….
One of my favorite parts of this World Cup season is seeing all the international fans experiencing America for the first time. The TikTok videos are amazing, and I thoroughly enjoy each one. There is discourse about the food, the people, the cultures, the geography, the freedoms, the scale, and the quirks. One overarching message is clear: America isn't like what they've been told all these years. People are viewing America through the lens of curiosity, wonder, and openness.....and they love it!
America isn't perfect, but it's pretty great. We have our failures, shortcomings, and baggage. You know who else does, too? Everyone! Every country carries failures, shortcomings, and baggage. I've been to nearly 40 countries over the past 20 years. Every country has amazing qualities. Every time I experience a new place, I revel in the little nuances that make it different, special. Whether it's the food, culture, people, or sights, I try to capture in my soul what makes it special.
There's a mourning that happens every time I leave a country. I know I'll miss it. I know I'll leave a piece of me there. I know that for decades, I'll have flashbacks to memories, moments, tastes, people, and sights. At the same time, though, it's always so good to return to U.S. soil. Each time I experience this cycle, I'm reminded that while America isn't perfect, it's pretty great.
I wish we could see America as these international fans have over the past few weeks. I wish we could take a step back and see our home with the same childlike wonder and awe. It's a pretty amazing place that we too often take for granted. Here's my encouragement to you. Leave America. Go see another culture. Embrace it, savor it, enjoy it. Soak up the food, the culture, and the awesomeness. Then, through that process, be reminded of what makes America great as well.
Happy 250th birthday, America!
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