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What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “free?” For some, it’s not having to pay for a product or service. For others, it’s having civil and political liberty. Yet, for others, it’s not being confined or detained by force.
One of the first things I think about is the freedom I have today as a minority in America to do many things that I was prevented from doing as a child (but was unaware), that my parents were prevented from doing half of their lives, and that my grandparents and ancestors were prevented from doing all of their lives. When I look beyond this unquestionably huge freedom, I can see the many other instances that I have felt “free” in a more spiritual sense. You might remember feeling free, as well, as you read the following instances:
–The first time I romped through a country field with giddy abandon
–The day I learned how to ride a bike
–Every time I roller-skated and danced on my skates letting the music move me
–When I went on road trips to other churches with the church youth choir
–High school because of the many things that I learned about myself
–The day I received my driver’s license
–The day I started my first job while a sophomore in high school
–My first purchase with my own money
–The first day I drove my first car
–The day I graduated from high school
–The day I graduated from broadcasting school
–My first apartment, going home to it every day, paying my bills, and doing my own grocery shopping
–The first time I voted
–The day I graduated from college
–Traveling
–Singing, especially worship and praise songs
–Dancing … especially dancing
–Acting
–Seeing joy in people’s faces and hearing their unbridled laughter
–Whenever I say, “Yes, I’ll do that.”
–Especially when I say, “No, I’m not going to do that.”
These are just some of the things that brought, and still bring me, that feeling of “free,” when my spirit feels unencumbered and sometimes sheer joy and happiness take over.
My list continues to grow as life presents itself. I try to stay out of God’s way to bring me all the “free” feelings that I can stand.
So, what’s on your list of “free?”
Photo (Flickr CC) by Erin Wilson
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Shawn Krumm
Latest posts by Shawn Krumm (see all)
- I Sorry I Was Actin’ A Fool - April 22, 2015
- One Hundred Times Free - January 15, 2015
- Grounded at Christmastime - December 5, 2014
- Where is Home? - November 18, 2014
- Waiting in the Check-Out Line with the Come-Here Lady - October 10, 2014