Dear Reader:
When I think back to the first time I was cognizant of the word “freedom” it came only after I had felt it as a child in the form of summer.
Didn’t the days seem endless back then? No homework, tests, projects, early morning routines getting books packed, breakfasts eaten, and buses met. Instead all these stressful daily routines were replaced with sleeping in, swim suits, lemonade, camps, new friendships, and playing until dusk… which in the summer meant 9:00.
Maybe it was because the days were so long that in my mind…in the early grades… I thought we went to school six months and then had summer for six months. Imagine my disappointment when I figured out hours, days, months, and seasons….how time worked in life…and realized we had been cheated. Nine months of school and only three months of summer freedom. Unfair!
Summer for children is magic. It is boundless and goes on forever in our memories of childhood.
As we get older freedom becomes defined differently for different situations. Joanna Gaines (Magnolia) in her letter from the editor describes the ever-changing meaning this way:
“Freedom can take on entirely unique meanings. We learn that freedom is subjective, what it means to be free for one person doesn’t necessarily equate to freedom for another. For some, freedom is perceived as a kind of rebellion. At times it might even look reckless. Or it can looks like the opposite of reckless. It can look like taking control. ”
When I look around my happy room today…it is this last definition (taking control) that has freed me more than anything else. But first I had to free myself from the fear of change, of taking risks, and letting the world see me through the environment I built around myself.
…Leaving fear behind to learn how to manage finances on my own, create a garden that provides me with a sanctuary and most importantly… leaving the past behind, stepping outside my comfort zone to re-decorate my home in a whimsical style that is my own unique peek hole for others to look through to discover the real me.
So until tomorrow…Let Freedom Ring…in Every Way Possible! Let Freedom afford everyone the chance to be free to be you and me.
“Today is my favorite day”
Winnie the Pooh
What way to end Memorial Day…with a patriotic sunset and a grilled hamburger with all the trimming/pasta, corn pie… courtesy of Luke and Chelsey. I love my Rainbow Road special neighbors…can’t imagine life without any of them! Thank you so much for the delicious surcie supper Luke and Chelsey!
ichaseferalcats
John Turner
Legally Ohm
Becky Dingle
Becky,
Your post today blessed me, for I believe that so many people, myself included, don’t understand the meaning of freedom, particularly free to be ourselves, not dependant on others’ approval. What bondage it is in our lives, work, families, and even our blogs to worry about the acceptance, likes, and appreciation of others. Your home is beautiful in all the reminders of God’s love, mercy, and grace, especially your wonderful garden where your grandchildren learn their value and worth in their trees and statues. I am thankful to God Almighty for your blog posts that encourage and inspire me and occasionally make me laugh, but always remind us of the value of family and friends that God provides to is to help us through this life journey. Keep posting and sharing the Light of Christ Jesus and the hope that He brings through His servants, of whom you are definitely one.
Oh my goodness..your amazing response today made my day…and I thank you so much for this warm feeling coming from you….what a loyal supporter of the blog you have been and I smile each day when I see your “like”….because I like you so much too! Have a blessed day with all the trimmings and be you…your wonderful self!