Naturalized Citizens

Have you ever experienced something and knew it was something new and unique but couldn't quite put the whole experience into words? I've been chewing on one of those experiences for the past week and will attempt to describe it.

One of my coworkers became a U.S. citizen last week. I rounded up the troops around the office and wanted to be there to support him during his swearing-in ceremony. I had never been to one of these ceremonies and being a citizen is just one of those things you don't think about if you were born in this country. All I could see was teeth when I saw him because he was all smiles. There were 90+ people from 40+ countries proudly waving small U.S. flags who were proudly becoming naturalized citizens that day.

Being able to observe the ceremony gave me a renewed since of pride as an American. It also made me ponder a number of things. I never had to do anything to be a citizen. I just am one by birth.

And now the deeper thoughts. Parallel that ceremony with what happens when you became a citizen of heaven. There are no citizens by birth in heaven. Only naturalized citizens. Us celebrating with my coworker were pale in comparison to the celebration that takes place in heaven when someone becomes a new citizen.

How often do I not celebrate my citizenship enough? How often do I completely take it for granted? How many times have I not been there for someone to help them become a citizen? How often do I neglect my responsibilities as a citizen and not take advantage of the rights I've been given? How often have I not properly represented my country? Far too often and far too many times.