Thankful to be Free to be You and Me!
In being thankful, one of the most awesome benefits we all share is freedom! We are free to visit places we have never been, speak our minds on what we think, do what we would like, pursue interests, and even to eat pretty much what we would like!
We live in such an amazing period of time. We can “travel” worldwide, via the internet and speak to people all the world over! Just a few short years ago, the cost of calling a foreign country by telephone was quite prohibitive. Now, people can speak with one another with services such as Skype, using their computers and webcams! We not only get to “speak”, but to “see” one another. A small freedom? Perhaps, but how exciting for families and friends separated by distance!
In many countries, we are free to worship as we would like. There are a few countries that persecute people for their religious beliefs, but this is certainly not the majority of the world. We have heard of secret underground churches and even executions of those who stand steadfast in their faith. Those who are Christians are called to pray for people in these nations on a regular basis.
And speaking of religious freedom, I managed to capture a few photos of the Amish when I went for my ride in the country the other day!
I admire the Amish folks living in their very simple ways. They have “come around” in many areas….most homes now have running water (although I am unsure how the water gets into their lines….perhaps gas-powered motors?) and many have propane refrigerators so they are able to keep food safely. I still am awestruck by their means of transportation, though. It is such a contrast to see horse and buggy traveling alongside modern cars…..
Most Amish (and many Mennonite) homes have a clothline that runs from their home to a barn or other tall building. I love seeing the laundry flapping in the breezes on washday!
Even those living under oppression still have some very basic freedoms. We have heard stories of those who survived the Halocaust and those who have escaped from countries where freedoms were being denied. Many of the testimonies given by these survivors would indicate something welled up inside of them, causing them to be free in some manner that might have been their saving grace.
Every day, we choose to be happy. Or sad. To do the right thing. Or wrong. We choose to serve others. Or take advantage. We choose to move ahead. Or freeze in looking behind.
Freedom. It is awesome and comes with some awesome responsibilty!
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Total agreement from me.
I echo all of your words. I am totally amazed at technology. I can now speak to and see me friend Amy in western Canada via Skype. She can also talk to her twin sister who is a missionary in Africa!
When I was a little girl, there were several families in my church who had immigrated from Holland. Some of them had taken part in the resistance against the Nazi occupation by hiding Jews in their homes. One family hid an American pilot. He had parachuted onto their farm land when his plane was shot down. One of the older ladies had been a neighbor of Corrie Ten Boom. The stories were fascinating. Some of them sad…others happy. I thank God for brothers and sisters in Christ like these!