😎🐫🎤 Christ’s peace and presence be with you. It seems like awhile since I sat down and talked with you. The past two Wednesdays, Brian and I were on our Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage. There was so much to take in; people (Many new friends.), towns, sights, sounds, feels (My feet definitely felt it.), smells, food (So much food!), silence, messages, care, concern, compassion, courage, prayer, forgiveness, clarity, laughter, etc. I received so much on this journey and although my luggage is unpacked, I still have much to unpack and discern.
Saturday, I eased into the morning by starting laundry, breakfast on the back porch with Brian, and an enjoyable conversation discussing some of our experiences and take aways from our travels. When I finally started getting myself ready for our normal weekend chores, I was listening to 80’s Pop music.
Lyrics from two songs, that I had heard many times over the years, caught my attention.
1) Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World
“Help me make the most of freedom…”
I don’t recall “Help me make the most of freedom.” ever being a conversation I’ve had with God or anyone. God’s gift of free will is a huge opportunity and a huge responsibility, not just for ourselves, but also everyone we encounter on a daily basis. Our God given freedom starts fresh each day and lasts all day long. How we choose to use that gift of freedom in each decision, throughout our day, will direct the ripple effect we emit.
During our pilgrimage, I noticed that I wasn’t clinching my teeth, which is a normal stress response for me. Upon returning home and thoughts of chores, tasks, and work entered my brain, I caught myself clinching my teeth. As I recognized this, I told myself, “You have a choice.” Each of us has a road ahead of us that we must travel and God gives you the freedom to choose the road you will take.
2) Prince – I Would Die 4 U
“You, I would die for you, yeah. Darlin’ if you want me to. You, I would die for you.”
Christ: “I would die for you, if you want Me to.”
I know Christ died for me. He did that before my birth, without my knowledge at the time of His crucifixion, but with knowledge of who I was, what choices I would make in my life, who I could be, and His love for me.
As I think about this, it’s extremely cruel of me to say “Yes Christ, I want You to die for me, so that I can do whatever I want. I lie, so what…it’s just another lash of the whip. I let pride be my guide, so what…it’s just another thorn piercing Your head. I hurt those you place in my care, so what…it’s just another nail hammered through Your flesh. I deny You by my words and actions, so what…it’s just a sword piercing Your side.”
Lord, help me make the most of the freedom You offer me and keep my focus on You, so that I will stop beating You and asking you to die for me over and over again. Thank you. Amen!
Bless others and be blessed.
Shelly :0)
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#TearsForFears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World
#Prince – I Would Die 4 U
Third Day Devotions 