Our young people today give us so many reasons to be hopeful for the future. There are many problems in our country and in the world, but there is nothing, I believe, that they can't handle.

I am constantly encouraged as I see how easily they befriend one another, with no thought whatsoever as to race, ethnic background, sexual orientation or religion. So much of the good we are able to accomplish in this life is the result of our relationships and being able to work together with one another. Our young people represent so much of what is best about America, but it has taken a while to get us to this point.

I know when our grandparents were young, much of their generation were new immigrants to this country. Their struggles were very hard, and very different from those of today. There were sharp lines drawn between ethnic and religious groups and those boundaries were rarely crossed. Prejudice and distrust made it difficult for many newcomers in the United States to find work and make a good life for their families. Ethnic neighborhoods were naturally formed, so as to support one another socially and economically, with neighborhood churches, schools and grocers.

Their children grew (my parent's generation), and as this new group of Americans came to know one another in schools and in the workplace, some of the fear and distrust started to dissipate and friendships were formed. Some of the old boundary lines were crossed, but not always easily. Catholics and Protestants married one another. Italians married Irish, and Poles married Germans and more of the prejudices melted away as families joined, and they soon came to realize we all have the same dreams of a decent life.

Then their children grew (my generation), and by that time, everyone was fairly well integrated. Some cultural division still existed but nothing like in the past. The ethnic differences for my generation were more about cherished family traditions and special foods that our grandmothers made. Good natured ethnic jokes could be told without anyone taking great offense. We would gasp at Archie Bunker's stereotypes, and laugh at him, but never agree with him.

Now my children's generation are young adults, and it gives me great hope to watch them take their place in the world. They recently gathered at our house for the Great Race along with some of their college friends. Among them, I met two beautiful girls, one of Indian heritage and one of Chinese heritage. They were lovely, articulate, intelligent, caring and just as American as every other kid.

One of the girls studied international health, and she is currently working to help reduce domestic violence. The other works for an international travel Web site. Part of her job requires her to visit different countries and write about her experiences. My daughter's major is Spanish, and she is already enjoying the hands-on experience of learning about different cultures here in the United States.

Each generation of Americans has raised their children to be more accepting of one another, and we should all be proud. Our diversity and tolerance is what makes us strong. It is what makes America great, unique and free.

I remember my young cousin's wedding a couple years back and how impressed I was to meet her friends from school. Again, all of them from very diverse backgrounds and beliefs, all totally accepting of one another and the very best of friends.

Once again I was so impressed by how intelligent and articulate they were. One of the girls in particular stands out in my memory. Although she looked very young, she had already earned her bachelor's degree and was studying alternative sources of energy at Cornell University.

The future of our country is bright.

Americans today are so diverse; each and every one of us is our own distinct mixture of cultures and backgrounds and faiths. Just look at many news broadcasters today, for example, and there are hints of various ethnic backgrounds all mixed together, and they are so beautiful. The United States is not perfect, but we sure have the right idea. I hope that someday soon America will regain her standing in the international community and once again take her rightful place as the moral leader of the world.

We truly are just one big melting pot, with every one of us equal in the eyes of God. Today's young generation accepts one another as equals, more so than at any other time in our history. They represent America's highest ideals.

Have a good week, and remember, God loves each of us so very much.

“While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

- Angela Schwindth

Denise Bennett is a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Auburn. She can be reached at deniseb132@yahoo.com