A few days ago the US celebrated a pretty significant birthday …. 250 years (and we don’t look a day over 249, right?) 😊 …. But, bein’ a history buff, sumthin’ i’d learned was that one of our cousins across the pond helped us out a bit during that time decided they needed a bit of freedom from their OWN king 13 years later and kicked up Bastille Day on July 14th. Freedom to choose and not be ruled over has been something that, as a rule (ha!, see what i did there) most folks typically hold in pretty high esteem … And, it’s not just a recent phenomenon.
From the very beginning, Our Father, Our Heavenly Father, that is, made it very clear: He’s got the power and ability to literally speak the universe into existence and knowledge to name every star in the sky. He knows each of us intimately, even before we’ree born. And He LOVES US enough to allow us to make our own choices … Good or Bad … He allows us to live our lives as we see fit, only stepping in when we ask or allow Him to …
As a father myself, so many times I’ve wanted to play the “dad card” and use the “my house, my rules” … Always for my kids’ own good … Sometimes i had to … I’m only human … But, each time i did, it always hurt, knowing that my Heavenly Father was able to always watch every mistake i ever made. I can almost see Him shake his Heavenly head and chuckle and say “that boy … That boy … How I love him so” …
My Pappeye’s favorite hymn (and mine too!) is “In the Garden” …. The older i get, the more layers it takes on … For i truly know, no matter where i am, i’ll never be alone. Because of that garden all those years ago where Jesus sat and prayed, asked His Father if there was any other way …. before then taking on the burden of the world. And then He walked with me … and talked with me … and told me i am His own ………
Bible Verses
Matthew 6:7-15 / Luke 15:11-32
Questions
Do you have any favorite hymns that just grow better with age?
How about stories about folks in your life who allowed you to choose — even when it may have hurt them?
Leave a Reply