Freedom - 2

Jewel and I occasionally like to take in a good movie.  We saw a heart-warming one the other day...Larry Crowne (that's Crowne, with an "e!").  Tom Hanks is a once-in-a-generation kind of actor...any actor who can convincingly navigate his way through a role where your only dialogue is either with a deflated volleyball...or yourself...in my estimation, worthy of the label--modern-day Jimmy Stewart.  The story resonated deeply with us both.  Close to home.  Loss seems to be the common language we all understand...more now than ever.  But, when seen through a lens of hope, sometimes it can mean freedom.  Show us our true treasures.  We are not there yet...but in process of changing glasses.  Finding a rental that works, buy us a couple of cruiser bikes for the river trail, shop farmer's market and cook some mouth-watering organic meals, persuade Rudy to teach us golf and Dee to show us the joy of kayaking...have friends over to just hang out...dad-gummit--be able to sleep in my own bed every night...it sounds a lot like freedom.  

Freedom

First blog.  Woke up this morning thinking about freedom--about the privilege of being an American, where freedom is part of everyday life.  In a culture where actors, athletes, and politicians are touted as heroes--maybe the real heroes are the young men and women who serve our country each day, who do the job of protecting the freedom we enjoy.  Today, it would do us good to imagine some of their faces.  They are so dedicated. They don't complain. They just do their jobs.  Regardless of your political bent, today as you head to the lake or fire up the barbeque (for grilled veggies, of course!), spend a moment or two in gratitude.  These are the true heroes.

Thomas Jefferson: "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them." 

Next blog is about spiritual freedom.  And a recap and some reflections on the message Sabbath.  Happy July 4th!