I didn’t really know how much I loved America, until I left it.

Sure I’d traveled abroad before, but I always stayed in a resort somewhere, insulated from how people lived . . . until I went to Ecuador.

A true 3rd world experience did me a lot of good.

In July 2008, I chaperoned a group of teens on a short-term mission to an orphanage in rural Ecuador.
You couldn’t drink the water.
Car-sized potholes made driving an on-road/off-road adventure.
I had to wait in line at a dirty telephone café just to call home.
Huge swarms of black flies engulfed entire buildings.
People rode on top of truck cabs and packed into truck beds because they couldn’t afford a car.
Even modest houses were walled. The walls were topped with shards of sharp glass.
Doors and windows were barred with iron.
Policía (with Uzis) often showed up at night to “clear the streets.”
Dogs, goats and donkeys roamed free.
Public restrooms weren’t free and toilet paper was an additional expense.
Crosswalks, sidewalks and turn lanes were non-existent.

And then on July 4th, it hit me.

This is how most of the world lives.

Many places are even worse than what I experienced.

That night we shot fuegos artificiales (fireworks) at the orphanage compound. The children were terrified, mistaking the noise for gunfire. Guess they’d witnessed too much violence.

Later on, I slid out of my bunk and laid on the patio under the stars, completely homesick.

My friends & family were back in Alabama, eating barbecue and flag cake. Shooting fireworks (without fear) and waving sparklers. Gathering by the lake or picnicking in the park, probably unaware that 85% of the world doesn’t live like us. 

And until that night, I never realized it either.

I love America. To be an American is a wonderful blessing. America is the greatest country on earth.

Sure, the U.S.A. has lots of problems, but what nation doesn’t?
If you can find a better place to live, you should go there.
If not, be grateful this 4th of July for all the blessings you have.

I’d like to help.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday, here are 25 Reasons to Love America:

1. Freedom Abounds: we’re free to speak, own property, vote, worship, protest, assemble & travel. Since our founders believed that our rights are granted to us by God Almighty, it’s illegal to take them away.

2. Opportunity Around Every Corner: people who started with little and achieved much are everywhere in America. Capitalism and free enterprise produce prolific innovation and good jobs.

3. Private Property Rights: owning your own home is the American dream. And the majority of Americans have achieved this dream, even though it’s harder than it used to be.

4. Security: America is very safe compared to many nations around the world. It’s a blessing that no wars are being fought on our soil. Our land is free of mines. Our skies and seas are open and navigable.

5. Awesome Beauty: can any place be as beautiful as the Rockies? Well, maybe. The sugary white Gulf beaches are pretty spectacular. So are the Vermont maples in the fall, sunrises over the Nebraska prairies and the waterfalls of Tennessee.

6. Generous and Friendly People: Americans are the most generous people in the world. Good Samaritans are everywhere. Strangers help each other. Neighbors share whatever they have and friends visit the sick.

7. Postal Service: for all of USPS’s flaws, it is amazing that you can mail a letter and be pretty sure it will go where you want it to go in a short period of time.

8. Energy: electricity is available 24/7. Natural gas is readily available, too. Charging stations are becoming more numerous, increasing our rights to use the energy of our choice.

9. Education: children have free access to a good education and have many opportunities to advance to higher education. To teach your kids more about our country, check out the Star Spangled Adventures series and the Star Spangled movie.

10. Abundant, Delicious Food: try a lobster roll in Maine—you’ll be glad you did. Don’t miss the fish tacos in San Diego, Chicago’s deep-dish pizzas and Tex-Mex in San Antonio, either. But I’m most grateful for my mama’s Southern cuisine: creamed corn, fried okra, purple-hull peas and ripe tomatoes from the garden. 

11. Technological Advancement: American inventors have changed the world through innovations such as light bulbs, cars, space travel and the iPhone. Our advancements have improved the lives of all people.

12. Travel Anywhere: when I was a teenager, my family traveled across the country several times in an R.V. We picnicked in the Iowa cornfields. Sang at an old folks’ home in Wyoming (it’s a long story). Bundled up in July to walk along an Oregon beach. Rode the “Pikes Peak or Bust” railway (without busting).

And along the way, we had the quintessential American experience. We were completely free to do it. So are you.

13. Clean Water: fresh, drinkable water pours from American faucets whenever you want it.

14. Unbelievable Music: American musicians have led the world in musical creativity. From Francis Scott Key to Louis Armstrong, Maria Callas to the Eagles, and George Gershwin to Elvis Presley, only our country could produce such a rich & diverse mix.

15. A Rich Heritage: while America has never been perfect, its greatness lies in Judeo-Christian ideals. We aspire to be a society where people can live together in liberty and dignity. To understand more about how the Great Awakening laid the foundation for our country, check out this wonderful new historical drama:

16. Good Healthcare: although imperfect, people come to our country from all around the world to take advantage of our high-quality health care.

17. A Blessed Nation: According to Pew Research study, 88% of Americans are considered middle to high income by the global standard. Truly, God has shed His grace upon us.

18. Transportation: roads are passable and safe. Our cities are connected by an incredible interstate system. Incredibly, only 8% of our nation does not have access to a car.

19. Right to Vote: every citizen has the right (and the responsibility) to vote for their lawmakers.

20. Incredible Sports: kids can play almost every known sport. Baseball, ballet, baton twirling—it’s all in America. We also enjoy excellent college and professional sports, too. Roll Tide!

21. Great National Motto: a public acknowledgment of faith is in our national motto, “In God We Trust.” (Makes me love America even more)

22. Established by God: The Bible teaches us that God establishes every nation. “He [God] controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings,” (Daniel 2:21). “For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God,” (Rom. 13:1).

23. Worship as You Believe: 2/3 of the world’s population live in countries with restricted religious freedoms. But not here. You are free to worship at the church of your choice. You can express your religious views. You can share the gospel freely wherever you go. And if you opt for no religion, you’re free to do that too.

24. God Placed You Here. The Bible says, “God began by making one man, and from him he made all the different people who live everywhere in the world. He decided exactly when and where they would live.” (Acts 17:26) In other words, God chose for you to live right here, right now. In His great wisdom, He gave you America to love.

25. The Right to Celebrate: you’re free to enjoy any 4th of July celebration you choose!

Big birthdays invite both reflection and rejoicing. Don’t join the chorus of complainers & haters this summer, love America instead!

Related: Why You Should Teach Your Kids to Love Their Country,  Independence Day: A Story You May Not Know