Freedom

I watched the birds this morning out on our back deck; like us, they are endlessly busy, darting here and there, not satisfied with one particular perch. As they move from spot to spot, they find a new vantage point. The world does look different from a tree-top, or the tip of my patio table umbrella.

They do chatter so these birds! And they are entertaining, to say the least. I wonder if they see me watching them from the window of my kitchen French doors. I think they do, but I am safely behind the glass. When you think about it, their world is pretty amazing. They have wings to carry them anywhere! Perhaps, that is why birds are so enchanting to us. They seem to have so much freedom.

Freedom is priceless! The feeling that one can come and go, and pursuit a dream unhindered, is an amazing thing. We have only to look at the lives of others who are in bondage, to know what it means to be free, to soar in life, as a bird in flight.

The chatter of the birds is a happy thing, and it lifts the soul. It is a sound we hear at the break of day, knowing morning is upon us, a fresh start to begin again. Although, we do not always think of it as such, the early morning music of songbirds is a clarion call to freedom; night has passed away, and dawn presents the day as a new gift to open.

It is a reminder of how blessed we are. Despite whatever difficulties we may encounter, or what storms blow through our lives, we are free. Sometimes, we may forget just what a precious gift that is, encumbered by some affliction, or deep-seated fear. Yet, freedom remains, and calls to us like a solitary bird who beckons us in the morning light; seize the day and relinquish your fears.

God has blessed us with these winged creatures in our lives. He is anxious for us to know the beauty and grace of flight; the One who set us free from bondage opened up the gates of heaven, and all eternity. And here upon the earth, we are free to serve Him, the One who created us in his likeness.

There is perhaps in all of us the wanderlust to move from one ‘perch’ to another. We travel to many places, and we experience so much. When we wake up each morning to the sound of birds singing, rain or shine, may it be a sign of hope for us that each day is an adventure.

Freedom comes with a cost, and one we should not take lightly. The best we can do is honor that freedom with gratitude in our hearts. If we choose to make the most of this priceless gift, we will not waste it. The flutter of little wings will leave their imprint upon our souls. We too, can rise above the mediocrity; there is nothing mediocre about freedom. We are so blessed, and may that define our days, day in an day out, a celebration of victory.

John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Linda Raha is a Christian writer who has kept a journal for a great many years. The journal entries are a mix of poems, reflections, and anecdotes on any number of topics. For Linda, the theme of the sea is a recurring one. Her love of the ocean and spending time there manifests itself in much of what she writes.
13 comments
  1. I love watching the birds and listening to their singing and chirping. 🙂 They do have a freedom to fly here and there. Yet, they must be alert for danger just like we need to alert.

    1. Yes, you are so right! They are always on alert. It is hard to capture a photo of them because they are so quick; just the smallest sound and they are up and gone. 🙂

  2. Oh Linda, so beautiful. I’m enchanted by birds too. Little Divine messengers. Love this!! Your writing is so uplifting Linda – God sent, seeming to tell me what I need to hear this day.

    1. Thank you! 🙂 The birds are enchanting and they have much to teach us about life. So much grace in these lovely creatures! When we sit still and watch them, it is as if the whole world were standing still. These quiet moments are good for the soul.

  3. birds do signify freedom, well said!

    1. 🙂 🙂 🙂

  4. A lovely meditation on the meaning of freedom and the gift of each new day.

    1. Thank you! I think sometimes we forget that we always have choices; every morning we get to start over again. 🙂

  5. So beautifully written, Linda! So much we can learn from God’s creation. May we enjoy the freedom and victory we have in Christ!

    1. Only in Christ do we find true freedom. When we remember to whom we belong, we find peace.

  6. Linda, you are right on with your application of a bird’s freedom to our own lives. God brings us much freedom, but it comes with a price because of our is less than perfect lives.

    At the same time, we as citizens have abundant freedom, but it also beckons us to use it responsibly.

    1. Freedom does come with a price. All we can do is appreciate the price that has been paid on our behalf. When we see that our cup is so full of blessings, our response is one of gratitude. And yes, freedom does entail a great sense of responsibility.

Comments are closed.