Memorial Freedom

Beautiful and clear blue sky this morning. Birds singing. Very quiet. I’ve got a long list of to-do’s today, but it’s time to reflect a bit. It is so easy for us to take our freedom for granted. Unlike millions around the globe, I am free to work at a job I love. I am free to choose the size of my family. I am free to travel. I am free to speak about what I believe. I am free to openly worship my God in my choice of method and time.

Today, I revel in that freedom. Today I remember the heartbreaking truth. Someone had to die for me to feel that freedom. How many have died? I don’t know. Many. Freedom is very expensive. It exacts a horrible price.

It is easier to remember those who died overseas, battling an identified foe, in a famous place and time.  But that’s not enough. Remember those who will die training HARD this year to be ready. Do you think that pilots are close air support experts by spending their time cruising at 30,000 feet?  Do you think someone learns HALO online? Freedom is bought, and kept…. with blood.

While I celebrate my physical freedom, I celebrate another kind. My freedom from the penalty of my sin. I am free to do good today, not to earn my salvation, but simply because it makes my heavenly Father happy. I am free to be confident in where I am going someday because Jesus fought and died for it so many years ago. Freedom is not free. It is horribly expensive. The price is shockingly high.

My freedom as an American is measured by the lives of those who bled and died for it and those who will continue to do so even now. My freedom in Christ is measured by  the One who bled and died for it. Just One, and just once. Jesus.