My Mormon Third Eye: I See... Why it's OK Not to Celebrate the 4th of July

Sunday, July 7, 2013

I See... Why it's OK Not to Celebrate the 4th of July

Regular MTE readers should be initially shocked by this post's title. I've always advocated the glories of choice and freedom on the 4th of July week... why change now? What has changed? Ironically, nothing at all. Hang in there and keep reading.

I know some families who chose to sleep in and skip the 4th of July morning breakfast. Others decided to take advantage of offered overtime and go to work. Some others, oblivious to the reason for the season, relaxed around the house or got caught up with housework, virtually unaware of the significance of the holiday.

The most important aspect of every scenario, however, is that none of these people were forced to do these things- they chose it. They have both the right and the capability to do so because someone else sacrificed a life or limb on their behalf. Ironically, when they choose not to celebrate, they are choosing to exercise the capability bestowed on them by a loving Savior and the right guaranteed to them by a divine Constitution.

So... go ahead. Be a party-pooper and waste most of your holiday launching virtual fireworks on your kindle or paying bills or dejunking the basement, with virtually no thought whatsover on the more patriotic side of the day. Just by virtue of winning the War in Heaven and coming to Earth, just by being here, you can't avoid commemorating the 4th of July. Every choice you make, especially the right ones, are a celebration of what we live and die for.

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The Mormon Third Eye Quote of the Week

"As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church. But we must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Priesthood Session Conference, October 2012

Why My Mormon Third Eye?

When I politely excused myself in the middle of dinner to make a bathroom stop, how did Mom know that I had uneaten peas in my pocket to flush down the toilet? When I came home late from a youth dance and slid quietly into bed to avoid waking parental units, how did Dad know, without looking at the car, that I smashed in the front bumper? When I watch my daughter play a video game, how do I know that she's not ready for her Geometry final?

Its the Third Eye. The notorious eye in the back of the head, the extra view of life that God blesses parents striving to do the right thing so they can see more of life than the children they chase after.

Our third eye also permits us to see things and feel emotions that are too refined, too far on the edge of our standard two-eyed peripheral vision to enjoy in its fullness. I've learned that I have a Mormon Third Eye; that is, as a life-long, fully-dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have unique perspective on how the doctrines of the gospel and the demands of my faith in them intersect every other part of my mortal existence to create the entertaining, self-deprecating kaleidoscope of my life.

So... for those of you bold and bored enough to read this far, every so often I'll be sharing here what my Mormon third eye sees. Third eyes are relatively huge; they see the humorous, the entertaining, the embarrassing, the beautiful, the inspirational, and even the moral and political; however, they tend to ignore the evil, depressing and destructive: there is enough of that in world already!

The Four Secrets to Successful Living

Always Go Where There is Free Food - This includes ward and work parties, wedding receptions and missionary open houses; the money you spend to buy the ingredients for the world-famous triple chocolate cake you bring doesn’t count.
Never Pay Full Price for Anything – See my posts on Black Friday escapades for more information on this.
Never, Ever Press the Red Button - Usually, if you are faced with a red button somewhere, don’t press it – it usually means trouble. For example, the red button launches the missiles. Do yourself a favor and don’t press it.
Any Problem You Face Can Be Solved With Bungee Cords and Duct Tape - Bungee cord and duct tape technology has saved many marriages and ward parties. I’m not just talking about problems with plumbing or keeping groceries from bouncing around the trunk; I know of relationship and family issues that have been solved with creative applications of these two substances.