Monday, January 7, 2013

Let it fly...


I’m not sure when they came into popularity; yet, many people fly a flag in front of their homes. Yes, some may keep it patriotic and fly the American flag. Because black and gold roots run deep, others proudly and, for some, year round, let the Steelers flag whirl in the breeze. Still, others decorate their homes with seasonally and holiday-themed banners.

Each in one's own way is making a statement about one’s homeland, one’s nationality, one’s allegiance, one’s rooting interest.

Why this entire flap about flags?

This morning on my commute into work, while stopped at a traffic light, I glanced up and noticed there was a flag flying above the Children’s Museum on the North Side. It was a baby-blue colored flag and I waited for the wind to unfurl it in such a way as to allow me to read its message.

As the blue flag snapped outward printed on it in bright red letters was the word, “Hi” --- perfect.

Perfect for a place dedicated to children; think about it, when you meet a small child there greeting is often a simple and innocent “Hi.”

Perfect for all of us considering a flag to fly --- what could be more welcoming and more a sign of warm hospitality than unfurling a banner that unassumingly says, “Hi.”

In a world wired for distance, consider how far a simple “Hi” can reach.

sj;