Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Freedom.
What does that word mean to you? Think about it for a moment. Does it allow you to say or do whatever you wish? Or, is it a concept derived from God's eternal truths?
In watching granddaughter, Virginia Rose, chasing fireflies in our back yard, her "jailing" jar in hand,
I know that both she and I learn a God-given lesson, one given voice by her own admission: "I don't need to capture the fireflies in this. I just want to feel them on my hands and set them free."
Freedom.
As a grandmother, I'm bursting with pride that Virginia is beginning to realize, with a heart growing in understanding, that all of God's creation is precious in His sight, and should be in ours. I recall the days when we would embark on our firefly hunts, with the obligatory air-hole punctured container, only for her to beg to allow them to stay in her room overnight. The next morning did not produce a pretty picture. Maybe those not-so-good memories have finally done the trick.
Freedom.
We find an errant firefly, confused and disoriented, in our house. It's catch and release time for Virginia! She reclaims her previous prison to now safely enclose the precious bug.
After its capture, Virginia retreats to our deck to allow the firefly to breathe and reclaim the environment into which it was born.
Before it flees, it seems to be giving thanks.
Freedom.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Free from the burden of sin and death. Free to become all that God intends for us as His children.
Let us ever treasure this freedom, and never cease to give thanks to the Lord for His great love for us.
Amen!
What a wonderful analogy of freedom today! I love this beautiful real time story that helps us understand the marvelous freedom that we have in Jesus Christ! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. What a great story....and truth!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Pamela! Yes, our true freedom does come from Jesus, and when we respect the freedoms of others, we are emulating Him in a wonderful way.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Sensitive heart in a child. "Dear Lord, let me have the heart of this child. Help me to understand the importance of freedom."
ReplyDeleteYes, Bill, that we all could have the sensitive heart of a child. I feel so blessed by Virginia's attitude toward life and God's creation.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a wonderful post and great analogy, Martha! Lessons from our grands are the best!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
I'm in full agreement, Lulu, that some of the best lessons we learn come from our grandchildren. It sometimes takes a child's perspective for us to see the world anew.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love seeing things from Virginia's sweet God-perspective. No fireflies here in CA. That is something about the south I miss—the humidity is something I don't miss.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't imagine a summer without fireflies, Beckie. Growing up in the south, I guess I've too often taken them for granted. Not anymore! And yes, Virginia is growing in God in such a beautiful way, and I'm blessed to be a part of that.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love the way you tell stories with pictures. I remember fireflies when I was growing up in the Mid West. But none here on the West Coast.
ReplyDeleteBeckie, in the above comment, mentioned that you all don't have fireflies out west. Such a shame! Glad you have fond memories of them, Carol, and thank you for your kind words regarding my blog.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Fireflies. Oh, I forgot how much fun that used to be back in the day, running around with glass jars filled with grass, holes punched on top.
ReplyDeleteOh the lights bright and clear against a dark night. Beautiful! Thanks Martha, for taking me back ...
I'm so glad this post brought back happy memories for you, Linda. I have quite a few, too, of chasing these elusive, enchanting bugs in my own backyard. It's great when such a tradition can be passed on to our grandchildren.
DeleteLove and blessings!
This is a good lesson to learn at an early age, Martha. And you seem to have done a great job at teaching it.
ReplyDeleteLet us pray for all those who do not know freedom. Humans as well as animals. Including those humans imprisoned within themselves through mental illness, sickness, addictions, bad marriages and countless other ways.
God bless you for being such a great grandma.
Amen, Victor, let us pray for all those who are imprisoned in some way, and cherish the freedoms we do have. Thank you for your kind compliment here, but I think Virginia came up with this concept all on her own. :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh Martha, what a wonderful word picture you've painted here. We truly are set free in Christ. PTL!
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
PTL is right, Kim! Just love it when He shows me His extraordinary lessons in the ordinary happenings of life.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Such a beautiful 'parable' for us! Your daughter is a lucky young lady, having you for her mom.
ReplyDeleteI'm the grandmom, Terri, and yes, I am incredibly lucky to have Virginia in my life.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Someone is teaching that sweet girl the right values. She is truly blessed. I love this post. It brings back sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteSo glad the post brought back fond memories for you, Nells. I figured it would for lots of folks out there who recall endless summer nights of chasing fireflies. And yes, Virginia is developing a healthy understanding of right and wrong.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love this story...especially the one where he seems to turn and give thanks for his freedom...<3
ReplyDeleteSo happy that you liked the story, Marla. Yes, I have to believe this little guy is very thankful for his freedom.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Perfect read for the week before the 4th. Love the lesson too. Your granddaughter is so precious!
ReplyDeleteIt did work pretty well with July 4th being just around the corner, Jean. So glad you enjoyed the lesson, and thanks for your kind words about Virginia. I think she's pretty precious, too!
DeleteLove and blessings!