Too Much My Way

Freedom - a word conveying lightness of load, but carrying much responsibility.

A domesticated bird lives safely within the confines of its cage, but the desire to soar soundlessly and weightless on the waves of the wind are ever present.

The freedom of choices we make, the words we utter, the actions we take are never self-contained, but rather reach out to those around us and settle in places maybe never forseen.

Freedom is precious and worth defending, but taken within the realm of my brothers and sisters, my freedom may be harmful to yours.

Therefore, I am free to voice my opinion, but not to habitually bind it on another.  

I am free to believe or disbelieve, but not to harass another to make my point.

I am free to loosen the hold CONTROL has over my heart...instead listening with compassion and reacting in love.

I am free to live life joyfully, unashamed of my faith - yet knowing every moment holds learning experiences - keeping my mind full of God's promises to lead and convict, with humility and an eagerness to admit my faults and transgressions.

Freedom is worth nothing unless Christ is in it and in me.  May we always act, react, and engage each other within the definition of freedom that Jesus spoke. 

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Gal. 5:13-14

Knowing My Commitment

As a child, I had no idea my responsibilities as part of the family, but that came with time and age, parental teaching, doing and learning.

As a twelve year old, giving my life to Christ seemed effortless.  Commitment was a word known and the meaning recited but not tested.

As a teen, commitment to my family was clouded with self-serving ideas and entitlement.  Commitment was confused.

As a young married, struggling to commit to a husband waged battle over the separation from parents and siblings.  Commitment was threatened.

As a young mother, the love and devotion to a daughter seemed easy, but the struggle to make wise decisions sometimes frightening.  But commitment took first place even at the expense of self.

As a grandmother, the commitment to grandchildren is more joy than responsibility, more happy than sad, and more valuable than life.


As a caregiver, commitment takes on a greater role, more demanding and relentless, tiring and oftentimes dispiriting.

Each phase takes on more awareness, more learning, more commitment than the one before.    

The value of life and the wonder of the Creator of life grow with each passing year, transcending through each change as this life matures and reflects.  

The Word I read, the Word I hear...even the Word I doubt...produces change in attitude, in belief, in action, and in...commitment. 

Father God, as I commit myself to your power and mighty hand, guide me through the days of change and allow Your Glory to shine through the good and the bad.  Give us all strength for the day, and may we ever see the path You set before us.  I am thankful you hear my prayer, through the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Depths of Love

Startling, those big eyes wide and just inches from my face.  His lips were speaking to me but the mind was busily whisking me away along memories of a young boy's days of giggles and kisses and unabashed love for his grandmother.

Of fishing with plastic fish...for hours and hours!


Of an early and steadfast love for trains and all that pertain, where the distant view of a railroad trestle as we traveled would send him to unearthly degrees of joy and anticipation.


Of questions and discussions sacred to grandparents alone, feeling the gravity and responsibility of being the object of such affection.

But those eyes staring deep into mine...and I am lost in the blessedness of belonging, of loving, of being in the presence of such a one as this.

Oh, Father, I plead with you to keep this budding 13 year old in the safety of your arms, equipping him with compassion for others and a deep, abiding love for you always.  Help me as I strive to be an example for him and all my grandchildren, to teach the depths of your love for us all.