So today is St. Paddy’s day. A day when most Americans claim to have Irish blood in them (it’s funny most claim to be Scottish, English and German as well!)

On March 17th each year people use this day for an excuse to have a parade, wear a little green and drink way too much. To those who partake in these celebrations of sorts it’s all in good fun. However, for me I can’t but help get a little sad.

You see, the whole meaning of St. Patrick’s day was not to have a booze up or to walk in some Irish love parade. The whole meaning behind St. Patrick’s day was to celebrate the life of a man who brought freedom, hope and faith to a nation.

St. Patrick was a man who heard from God and got out of his comfort zone and traveled to a country where he suffered and was persecuted because he preached the message of Jesus Christ to unbelieving souls. As a result Christianity in Ireland was born. This was a true saint! Anyone who has Irish blood today can thank St. Patrick that he listening to God and was not ashamed to declare that his God was the hope of nations.

So for me it is so sad that on this day people use it as an excuse to do something they can do any Friday or Saturday night of the year. They use the name of St. Patrick to indulge in things that St. Patrick suffered his whole life to guide people away from. For me this day is sad, because now people use it to celebrate a country instead of a great man.

I’m thankful that men like St. Patrick have gone before us and paved the way. I wonder if there are any St. Patrick’s out there today who will forsake all and follow the very voice of God?