I'm especially excited about the Inauguration, coming up on January 20, and I've been thinking about why that is.

One reason is because of the historic challenges facing our nation. It's not business as usual. How will our leaders lead us out of the dangers we're into?

Another reason is that the inauguration of a President who is African-American is truly a sea-change. It is stunning, for instance, to think of what has happened during the single life span of Joseph Lowry (a hero of the civil rights movement, who will be giving the benediction on January 20). When Lowry was born, "Negroes" were not permitted to vote at all. During his years of life, Lowry has now watched the country elect a person to be president who would not have been allowed even to vote! What a reason for patriotism.

Another reason why I'm excited about January 20 is that the world is watching this too. The New York Times ran an article last week interviewing Barack Obama's cousin, who lives in Barack's father's home village in Kenya. This cousin has a high level of education, unusual in Kenya -- and he can't find work in his field. There are few working institutions in Kenya, the economy is based on corruption and graft, there is little opportunity for personal advancement. But in America! In America it is possible for someone like Barack Obama to make something of himself and even to be elected President! In countless nations around the world, people are watching us and are amazed at what is possible in our nation. What a huge step towards restoring our reputation around the world. What a reason for patriotism.

I was moved to read about the transition ceremony in the Senate, transferring power from retiring Virginia Senator John Warner to newly-sworn-in Virginia Senator Mark Warner. As part of the ceremony, the retiring Republican ushered the newly-elected Democrat, to present him for the swearing in. Millions and millions of people around the world are envious of such government. What a reason for patriotism.

Even more visibly symbolic was the lunch meeting that Obama initiated with every other living American who has been elected President. What an image that picture of the five of them standing together, of both parties, pledging support to the soon-to-be inaugurated President. What a message it sends to the world -- for the outgoing President (of one political party) to say that he wants to incoming President (of the other party) to succeed, because "we all love our country." Millions and millions of people around the world are envious of such a transition of power.

What wonderful reasons for a swell of healthy patriotism! Not "my country, right or wrong." But "my country, getting some big things right."